A priest under the Archdiocese of Benin City, Rev. Fr. Charles Onomhoale Igechi, has been shot dead by gunmen in Edo state
It was gathered that the priest was killed on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, along the Agbor Road, Bypass area in Ikhueniro axis of Benin, while on his way to his place of assignment.
The late priest was ordained on the 13th of August 2022 and was until his death, the Vice Principal of St. Michael College, Ikhueniro.
A Reverend father within the Benin Archdiocese, who confirmed the incident, said nobody was with the priest when he was killed by gunmen.
His corpse bore bullet holes when he was found,” he said.
The Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, Augustine Akubeze, who confirmed the sad news in a statement on Thursday, June 8, said that the incident had been reported to the police and expressed hope that justice would be served on the perpetrators of the illegal act.
The statement said his remains were found by Boundary Street in Ikpoba Hill, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State.
“With deep sadness and sorrow in our hearts, we wish to inform you of the death of one of our priests in the Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Charles Onomhoale Igechi, who was ordained on the 13 of August 2022 and who until his death was the Vice Principal of St. Michael College, Ikhueniro,” the sttement read.
“With great shock, we received the news this morning that he was shot on his way back to his place of assignment, on the 7th of June, 2023 and his remains were found by Boundary Street in Ikpoba Hill, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State.
“We, therefore, wish to solicit your prayers for the happy repose of his soul. I kindly wish to use this medium to inform all priests that there shall be a Mass for the peaceful repose of Rev. Fr. Charlies Onomhoale Igechi, on June 9, 2023, at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre’s Chapel at 10:00 am.
“I entrust you all to the maternal intercession of our Lady of Sorrow. May God continue to guide and protect all the faithful in the Archdiocese of Benin City and may the soul of Rev. Fr. Charles Igechi find peace and tranquillity in the loving embrace of our risen Saviour. Amen.”
