A Catholic Priest, Reverend Father Isaac Achi, was burnt alive by bandits, in an early morning attack at his residence in Niger State.
Father Isaac was attached to Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Kafin Koro Community in Paikoro Local Government Area of the State.
Reports has it that the Reverend Father was attacked about 3 am, on Sunday, January 15, 2023.
The bandit stormed the community and began shooting sporadically as they stormed Rev. Father’s house which is located on top of a hill.
A source said the bandits shared themselves into two groups , one part went straight to house of the Catholic priest, the other group on the look at.
Because the bandits could not gain access inside the Rev. father’s residence, they burnt the building down with the Priest inside. After setting the house ablaze, they waited until it burnt to ashes.
The Police Public Relations Officer of Niger State, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, on Sunday confirmed the incident in a statement. He also said the bandits shot and injured another priest during the attack.
On Sunday, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), through its Chairman, Niger State branch, in Minna, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, in a statement by his media aide, Daniel Atori, has condemned the attack.
The religious body has demanded for swift investigations into the attack. It also called on the government at all levels, the police, and other security agencies to double their efforts in tackling banditry and insecurity in the country.
“One of the primary responsibilities of any government is to protect lives and properties of the people, enough of the attacks and wanton killings of innocent Nigeria citizens.
“In the early hours of today (Sunday) the bandits got to the community, shooting sporadically, setting ablaze the Catholic Parish house, killed the parish priest and injured his assistant,” the statement read.
CAN sent condolences to the Catholic Diocese of Minna, parishioners, and the entire Christendom as well as the immediate family of the slain priest.
The association also prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Achi and the souls of all the faithful departed to rest in peace.
