The Kogi State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the killing of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi, a Catholic priest who was reportedly attacked with a machete before his body was discovered along a roadside in Ajaokuta.

Until his death, Fr. Opeyemi served at St. Paul's Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He was born in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area, and hailed from Ayetoro in Ijumu LGA.

According to available information, the priest was brutally attacked with a machete, and his lifeless body was later found by the roadside in Ajaokuta.

Confirming the incident on Friday, the Kogi State Police Command said the killing occurred on July 29, 2026.

The command's Public Relations Officer, ASP Oyiza Afusat, said police received a distress report at about 9:30 a.m. on July 29 that the body of an unidentified man had been found along Church Road in Ajaokuta.

"The incident is confirmed. On 29th July 2026, at about 9:30 a.m., the police received information that the lifeless body of an unidentified male was found by the roadside along Church Road, Ajaokuta.

"Operatives promptly mobilised to the scene, where it was observed that the deceased had sustained severe machete cuts to the head. The body was evacuated to the ASCL Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor, and was thereafter deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.

"The deceased was later identified as Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul's Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi State.

"The case is currently under investigation, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible. Upon the conclusion of the preliminary investigation, the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation.

"We will provide further updates as the investigation progresses," she said.

The gruesome killing has plunged the Catholic community and residents of Kogi State into mourning, with many calling on security agencies to swiftly identify and prosecute those behind the attack.