By Abimbola Ogunnaike
A priest under the Benin Catholic Archdiocese, Charles Igechi, has been shot dead by gunmen on Wednesday, 7 June, 2023 along Agbor Road in the Ikhueniro axis of Benin, the Edo State capital.
The Catholic Archbishop of Benin, Augustine Akubeze confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Thursday, 7 June, 2023.
According to Akubeze, the police have been informed, and urged the security agency to apprehend the perpetrators of the dastardly act.
The cleric said the deceased, ordained last year, was ambushed and shot on his way back to his place of duty.
The remains of Igechi were found at Boundary Street in Ikpoba Hill, under Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area.
“Rev. Fr. Charles Onomhoale Igechi, who was ordained on August 13, 2022, was the Vice Principal of St. Michael College, Ikhueniro.
“We received the news this morning that he was shot on his way back to his place of assignment…We wish to solicit your prayers for the happy repose of his soul,” the clergyman added
Father Akubeze announced a Mass for Igechi on June 9, 2023, at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre’s Chapel at 10:00 a.m.
