Kogi: Lifeless body of Catholic Priest found in Ajaokuta

By Richard Elesho

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the discovery of a corpse that turned out to be that of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro, of St Paul Parish Aiyetoro Gbede, at Church Street, Ajaokuta. Until his death, he had strong links to Egbe, Yagbawest Local Government.

A native of Aiyetoro, in Ijumu LG, he was said to have been on relief duty to the steel town when his life was cut short on Wednesday, 29 July, by people suspected to be armed hoodlums.

The circumstances of his death were still unclear at the time of this report. A police source said “on 29th July 2026, at about 9:30 a.m., the Police received information that the lifeless body of an unidentified male was found by the roadside along Church Road, Ajaokuta.

“Operatives promptly mobilised to the scene, where it was observed that the deceased had sustained severe machete cuts to the head. The body was evacuated to the ASCL Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor, and was thereafter deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.

“The deceased was later identified as Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA, Kogi State.

“The case is currently under investigation, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible. Upon the conclusion of preliminary investigation, the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation.”