June 27, (THEWILL) – Rev Fr. Christopher Odia of St Michael Catholic Church, Ikabigbo, Uzairue in Etsako West Local Government of Edo State, who was kidnapped on Sunday, has been killed by his abductors.
He was abducted Sunday morning from his residence at the Ikabigbo Parish about 6 am.
The Director of Social Communications, Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, announced this in a terse statement on Sunday evening.
The statement read: “With heavy hearts, but with total submission to the will of God, we announce the death of our priest Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, who was killed by his abductors after being kidnapped this morning 26th June 2022 at about 6.30am in his rectory, while coming out to go for Sunday Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church Ikabigbo, Uzairue, Edo State.
”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. He was aged 41. May his soul rest in peace.
“Burial arrangements will be announced by the Diocese later.”
Earlier, the traditional ruler of Ikabigbo, Bramah Alegeh, had said that one of the vigilante boys mobilised to rescue the Catholic priest was shot by the abductors.
About the Author
