Bernice Larryoboh
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has condemned the killing of Rev. Fr. Achi by bandits who set him ablaze in his house.
In a statement issued by the media aide to the CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, Daniel Atori, in Minna, they called for investigations into the attacks and the culprits brought to book.
The statement reads in part: “CAN, Niger State strongly condemns the gruesome killing of Very Rev. Fr. Isaac Achi, priest of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Kaffin Koro, in Paikoro local government area of Niger state.’’
“Enough of the attacks and wanton killings of innocent Nigerian citizens.”
Recall that, Suspected Bandits in the early hours of Sunday invaded the residence of a Catholic priest, Rev Fr. Isaac Achi, of Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Kafin-Koro, Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, and killed him by setting him ablaze.
The Niger State Police Command Public Relations Officer (PRO) Wasiu Abiodun, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), disclosed this in a statement yesterday, saying “On 15/01/2023 at about 0300hrs, armed bandits invaded the Parish residence of one Rev. Father Isaac Achi of Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church along Daza road, Kafin-Koro, Paikoro LGA.
The bandits reportedly attempted to gain entrance into the residence, but it seemed difficult and set the house ablaze, while the said Rev. Father was burned to death.
It was also gathered that there have been several attempts on his life in the year 2011and 2013 before his sad demise.
According to report, a colleague of the Fr, identified as Father Collins, was equally shot in the shoulder while trying to escape from the scene.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, Ogundele Ayodeji has dispatched a reinforcement team to the area and effort is ongoing to apprehend the assailants as an investigation into the unfortunate attack has commenced.
Reacting to the painful demise of the Priest, an Italian foreign minister, Antonio Tajani described the attack as “cowardly and inhuman.”
On his part, the Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello said the killing signalled that no one was safe and that drastic action must be taken to stop the terrorists.
“These terrorists have lost it and drastic action is needed to end this ongoing carnage,” he said.