BENIN, Nigeria – Reverend Father Charles Igechi of the Benin Archdiocese was allegedly shot and killed by gunmen in Benin City, Edo State, on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
The priest was reportedly attacked along the Agbor Road, Ikhueniro area of Benin, while en route to his place of assignment.
A fellow Reverend Father within the Benin Archdiocese confirmed the killing, speaking anonymously as he was not authorized to publicly discuss the incident.
“It is true he was killed. Nobody was with him when he was killed by gunmen,” he said.
The priest’s body was reportedly found in the bypass axis of the Benin-Agbor road.
Efforts to reach the Edo State Command spokesperson, Chidi Nwanbuzor, were unsuccessful.
However, the Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, Augustine Akubeze, confirmed the incident and stated that the matter had been reported to the police.
He expressed hope that justice would be served on the perpetrators.
In a condolence statement issued on Thursday, Archbishop Akubeze said the priest was ordained in August 2022 and had been shot in the back.
He revealed that Reverend Igechi was serving as the Vice Principal of St. Michael College, Ikhueniro, at the time of his death.
The statement also announced a Mass to be held in honor of the late priest’s peaceful repose, scheduled for June 9, 2023, at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre’s Chapel.
It ended with a prayer for the protection of the faithful in the Archdiocese of Benin City and for the soul of Reverend Igechi to find peace and tranquillity in the embrace of their risen Saviour.
