Odia was 41 years old when he passed away, according to Fr. Peter Egielewa, Director of Social Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi.

“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”, he said.

The gunmen shot one of the neighborhood’s boys while looking for the priest.

According to a source who talked with Daily Trust, the sufferer was taken urgently to a hospital in Auchi but was later sent for treatment to Irrua specialty hospital.

While confirming the development earlier in the day, the community’s traditional leader, Bramah Alegeh, also stated that attempts are still being made to secure the priest’s release.

Alegeh claims that vigilantes and security forces are scouring the area for him to be released.