Bandits storm catholic church, set priest ablaze in Niger
Armed men suspected to be bandits on Sunday morning attacked St. Peters and Paul Catholic Church located along Daza Road, Kafin-Koro in the Paiko Local Government Area of Niger State and burnt the priest, Rev. Fr. Isaac Achi to ashes.
According to multiple sources, Fr. Achi’s assistant identified as Father Collins also sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.
It was gathered that Fr. Achi was recently transferred to Madalla Parish in the state but was in Kafin-Koro, his former home parish when the incident occurred.
Confirming the incident to newsmen, the Niger Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, in a statement, said the incident occurred at about 3 am on Sunday.
In a press statement, the police spokesman 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.”
Attacks on Churches has increased in the state in recent times.
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