Reverend Father Christopher Odia of Saint Michael Catholic church Ikabigbo, Uzairue, Edo State who was abducted by gunmen in his rectory while preparing for Sunday Mass, has died in captivity.

Reverend Father Peter Egielewa Director of Social Communications
Catholic Diocese of Auchi disclosed this in a statement on Sunday evening.

41-year-old Odia was the Administrator of St Michael Catholic Church, Ikabigbo and also the Principal of St. Philip Catholic Secondary School Jattu until his death, according to the statement.

Egielewa revealed that the burial arrangements will be announced by the Diocese later.

“With heavy hearts but with total submission to the will of God, we announce the death of our priest Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, who was killed by his abductors after being kidnapped this morning 26th June 2022 at about 6.30am in his rectory while coming out to go for Sunday Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church Ikabigbo, Uzairue, Edo State.

“Until his death, Fr Odia was the Administrator of St Michael Catholic Church, Ikabigbo and also the Principal of St. Philip Catholic Secondary School Jattu. He was aged 41. May his soul rest in peace.

“Burial arrangements will be announced by the Diocese later”, Egielewa said.

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