Police in Edo State has confirmed that an abducted Catholic Priest, Rev. Father Christopher Odia, has been killed by his abductors.
The priest was kidnapped on Sunday morning by gunnmen at Ikabigbo community in Etsako West Council Area of Edo State, Rev. Father Odia who is the parish priest of St Michael Catholic Church, lkabigbo was kidnapped as he was preparing for Sunday mass.
In a statement its Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Jenniger Iwegbu, said: “A combined Team of Police Tactical Teams, Jattu Divisional Police operatives and the local vigilante team, led by the Divisional Police Officer on receiving the news of the kidnapped Rev Father went into the forest to rescue him.
“In fustration, the kidnapped Rev Father Christopher Odia was killed by his abductors. Also a Hunter identified as Nurudeen was shot dead in the process of rescuing the victim.
“The superior fire power of the police personnel who went on the trail of the kidnappers decimated one of them while other gang members escaped with various gun shot injuries.
“Intensive bush combing is ongoing towards ensuring that those who escaped are arrested and made to face justice.
“The Commissioner of Police, Abutu Yaro, commiserated with the Catholic community in Edo State and Nigeria. He advised the general public to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses.
“He further encouraged Edo state people not to relent in providing the police with prompt and useful information.”
