Rev Father Isaac Achi, parish priest of St. Peters and Paul Catholic Church in Kafin-koro, Paikoro Local Government Area, Niger State, was burned to death by armed bandits, IgbereTV reports.
It was reported that the bandits who broke into his home at 3 a.m. on Sunday, January 15, 2023, also injured his colleague, Father Collins.
The terrorists were said to have attempted to gain entry into the Catholic parish house and, while having difficulty doing so, set fire to the parish house and waited until it burned to ashes with him inside.
Father Collins was shot in the shoulder while fleeing the scene.
The Niger Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Wasiu, confirmed the incident and stated that efforts are being made to apprehend the perpetrators.
“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, on 15/01/2023 at about 0300hrs,” the statement read.
“Unfortunately, the bandits reportedly attempted to gain entrance into the residence, but seemed 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 also shot in the shoulder while fleeing the scene. Police tactical teams from the Kafin-Koro Division were immediately dispatched to the scene, but the hoodlums had fled before the teams arrived.
“Father Isaac’s lifeless body 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 efforts are still being made to apprehend the assailants as the investigation into the unfortunate attack has begun.”
