From Tony Osauzo, Benin

The Catholic Priest, Rev. Father Christopher Odia, who was abducted yesterday morning at Ikabigbo, in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State by suspected Fulani herdsmen, has been killed by his abductors.

The Director of Social Communications Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, announced this in a terse statement yesterday evening.

“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”, the statement said, adding that “Burial arrangements will be announced by the Diocese later”