Priest murdered, followed by kidnappings at Mass in Nigeria

Two violent attacks against the Catholic Church in Nigeria have been perpetrated in less than a week. A priest was killed and days later, on Aug. 2, gunmen stormed a Mass and abducted several people.

According to the Vatican agency Fides , the slain priest was Father Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro of the Diocese of Lokoja in Kogi state.

“With deep sorrow but with firm faith in the resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ,” on July 30 the Diocese of Lokoja announced “the passing unto eternal glory” of Oyetoro.

Details of the murder were released by state police spokesperson and assistant superintendent Afusat Oyiza Salihu. “On July 29, 2026, around 9:30 a.m., the police received information regarding the discovery of a manʼs lifeless body along Church Road in Ajaokuta,” Salihu said .

Salihu added that police arrived quickly at the scene and confirmed that the victim “had severe machete wounds to the head.” The body was taken to ASCL Hospital, where the priest’s death was pronounced.

The Diocese of Lokoja in Nigeria announces “the passing unto eternal glory” of Father Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro. | Credit: Courtesy of Diocese of Lokoja

According to Salihu, “the investigation is…