Just days after a Catholic Priest named Vitus Bogoro was forcefully kidnapped and killed in Kaduna, yet another Catholic Priest, Rev. Father Christopher Odia was kidnapped by suspected herdsmen in the early hours on Sunday and have been reportedly shot dead.
The cleric, 41, was said to have been taken hostage at about 6.30am while coming out from his residence to go for Sunday Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church, Ikabigbo, Uzairue, Edo State.
Following the kidnap, the community youths, security operatives and vigilante combed the bush in a bid to rescue the priest.
In the course of the search one member of the search team identified as Nurudeen Umosor was reportedly shot dead by the gunmen, while two other youths sustained injuries.
However, two members of the hoodlums were apprehended.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi has confirmed the kidnap and death of Rev. Father Odia.
In a statement, spokesman for the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa said: “until his death, Fr Odia was the Administrator of St Michael Catholic Church, Ikabigbo and also the Principal of St. Philip Catholic Secondary School Jattu”.
The Edo State Police command spokesman, SP. Chidi Nwanbor could not be reached for comment.