The body of the Catholic Church was today, thrown into mourning following the brutal killing of Father Charles Igechi, who was shot dead by gunmen on Wednesday while on his way back to his place of assignment at St. Michael College, Ikhueniro, Edo, where he was serving as vice principal of the college.
While the police authorities are yet to make any statement on the incident, the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City on Thursday confirmed the killing of Father Charles who was ordained a priest on 13 August last year.
Speaking over the death of the priest, the Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, Augustine Akubeze, announced the incident in a notice on Thursday to the priests and members of the archdiocese.
Bishop Akuebeze said the slain priest’s remains were found by Boundary Street in Ikpoba Hill, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, and that the incident has been reported to the “appropriate security agency.”
“They (the security agencies) are working on the case. We pray that the perpetrators of this evil act will be brought to the face of justice,” the archbishop said in the notice while calling for prayers for the repose of the soul of the slain priest.
“I entrust you all to the maternal intercession of our Lady of Sorrow. May God continue to guide all the faithful in the archdiocese of Benin City and may the soul of Rev Fr Charles Igechi find peace and tranquillity in the loving embrace of our risen saviour,” the archbishop added.
Also, a Catholic priest, Father Francis Ezeh, via his Twitter page shared the images of the slained priest and his lifeless body.
He, however revealed that Father Charles’ lifeless body was found same spot he was allegedly killed by the gunmen.
“Fr. Charles’ lifeless body at the spot he was allegedly assassinated yesterday.
The rate at which Catholic Priests and Christians are killed and kidnapped under the watch of the Nigerian government is quite unbearable. #CatholicTwitter #Arise” – Father Francis tweeted
Fr. Charles’ lifeless body at the spot he was allegedly assassinated yesterday.
The rate at which Catholic Priests and Christians are killed and kidnapped under the watch of the Nigerian government is quite unbearable. #CatholicTwitter #Arise pic.twitter.com/7wLkZbGgpQ— Fr.Francis Ezeh OFM Cap (@FrCescoofmcap) June 8, 2023
It should be recalled that scores of priests have been killed last year with others abducted across the country.
The incident comes almost a year after two abducted priests Reverend Father Udo Peter of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Uromi and Reverend Father Philemon Oboh of St. Joseph Retreat Center, Ugboha in Esan South East Local Government Area were killed n the same state.
