The Kogi State Police Command has launched an investigation into the killing of Catholic priest Rev. Fr. Samuel Oyetoro, whose body was discovered in Ajaokuta.
AJAOKUTA, KOGI STATE — The Kogi State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the killing of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Oyetoro, whose body was discovered along Church Road in Ajaokuta.
The late priest, who was born in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area and hailed from Ayetoro in Ijumu Local Government Area, was serving at St. Paul's Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, before his death.
According to available information, Rev. Fr. Oyetoro was allegedly attacked with a machete, while his lifeless body was later found by the roadside.
Confirming the development on Friday, the spokesperson for the Kogi State Police Command, ASP Oyiza Afusat, said the incident occurred on July 29, 2026.
She disclosed that police operatives received information at about 9:30 a.m. that the body of an unidentified man had been discovered along Church Road in Ajaokuta.
"The police received information that the lifeless body of an unidentified male was found by the roadside along Church Road, Ajaokuta," the police spokesperson said.
According to her, officers immediately mobilised to the scene and discovered that the victim had sustained severe machete wounds to the head.
The body was subsequently evacuated to the ASCL Hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead before it was deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.
Police later identified the deceased as Rev. Fr. Samuel Oyetoro of St. Paul's Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, in Ijumu Local Government Area.
The command said investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing and to apprehend those responsible.
ASP Afusat added that, upon the conclusion of preliminary investigations, the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
The killing has thrown the Catholic community and residents of Kogi State into mourning, with many expressing shock over the tragic death of the cleric.
The incident also comes amid growing concerns over insecurity and attacks on religious leaders in different parts of the country.
The death of Rev. Fr. Oyetoro has renewed concerns about the safety of religious leaders and residents in Kogi State and across Nigeria.
Stakeholders have repeatedly called for stronger security measures to protect communities and places of worship.
Police authorities say investigations are ongoing and have assured the public that efforts are being intensified to identify and arrest those responsible for the killing.
Prime Brief Media will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates as more details emerge.
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