Bandits burn Catholic priest alive in Niger State

Rev. Fr Isaac Achi, a Catholic Priest, has been killed by bandits who invaded his residence around 3am on Sunday.

Daily Trust gathered that after his attackers could not gain access to him as a result of fortified security, they decided to burn down the building in which the priest was.

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Until his death, Achi was attached to St. Peters and Paul Catholic Church, Kafin-Koro, Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger.

Confirming the tragic incident, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, said another priest was shot during the attack.

In a statement, Abiodun said, “On 15/01/2023 at about 0300hrs, armed bandits invaded the Parish residence of one Rev. Father Isaac Achi of St. Peters and Paul Catholic Church, along Daza road, Kafin-Koro, Paikoro LGA.

“Unfortunately, the bandits reportedly attempted to gain entrance into the residence, but seems difficult and set the house ablaze, while the said Rev. Father was burnt dead.

“A colleague of the Rev. Father identified as Father Collins was equally shot in the shoulder while trying to escape from the scene. Police tactical teams attached to Kafin-Koro Div were immediately drafted to the scene, but the hoodlums had escaped before the arrival of the teams.

“The lifeless body of Father Isaac was recovered while Father Collins was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

“The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command CP Ogundele Ayodeji had dispatched a reinforcement team to the area and effort is ongoing to apprehend the assailants as investigation into the unfortunate attack has commenced.”