Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, the Priest of St. Michael Catholic Church, Ikabigbo, in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State has been killed by Gunmen.

According to report, Fr. Christopher was kidnapped from his residence on Sunday while he was preparing for Mass.

As reported, an eye stated that the kidnappers shot and injured one of the community boys who went in search of the Reverend Father.

“The kidnappers came with sophisticated weapons and took away the reverend father while he was preparing for the morning mass. It was sad. One of the boys who tried to look for the cleric was shot and he is currently in a hospital,” he said

Bramah Alegeh, the community leader who confirmed the incident, said the Army in collaboration with local vigilantes, searched the bush to ensure the release of the cleric.

The Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Bishop Gabriel Dunia, described the incident as sad.

According to him, he noted that the two local security men who went after the hoodlums were killed.

His said, “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, June 26, 2022, around 6.30am in his rectory while coming out to go for Sunday mass at St. Michael Catholic Church Ikabigbo, Uzairue, Edo State.”