In Nigeria, Catholic priest stabbed to death with machete

A praying man. Photo: Shutterstock

On July 29, 2026, in Nigeria, the body of Catholic priest Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro was discovered on the side of a road with severe machete wounds to the head, reports LifeSiteNews.

The deceased served at the Catholic St. Mary’s Church in Egbe and belonged to the Diocese of Lokoja. Police arrived at the scene following reports from local residents and later identified the clergyman.

The Diocese of Lokoja expressed deep sorrow over the death of Father Samuel and called on clergy, monastics, and laity to pray for the repose of his soul, as well as for his family and the entire church community.

The identities of the attackers and the motive for the crime have not yet been established. The investigation into the murder is being conducted by the Nigerian State Criminal Investigation Department.

The priest's death occurred against the backdrop of ongoing attacks on Christians and clergy in the country. In recent years, Nigeria has repeatedly seen killings, abductions, and attacks on Catholic and Protestant communities.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Islamists in Nigeria abducted a pastor's wife and three children.

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