The deceased, identified as Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro, was a Catholic priest serving in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
According to information gathered, the incident occurred on Tuesday, July 29, 2026, along Church Road in Ajaokuta. Residents were said to have discovered the lifeless body by the roadside and alerted security operatives.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said the police received a distress report at about 9:30 am that an unidentified male was found lying along the road.
She explained that police operatives were immediately deployed to the scene. The body was later evacuated to the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
The deceased was later identified as Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area. He was also reported to have previously served at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Egbe.
The police spokesperson disclosed that preliminary investigation has commenced, adding that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further discreet investigation.
She noted that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those behind the incident, assuring that the command will provide updates as investigation progresses.
The death has generated reactions among residents and members of the Catholic community in the state, who described the late priest as a dedicated clergyman.
As of the time of filing this report, the Catholic Diocese is yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
