Summary
Catholic Diocese of Lokoja announces the death of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro.
Diocese describes the late priest as a devoted servant of God and calls for prayers.
Reports claim he was attacked in Kogi State, but authorities are yet to release a full official statement.
The Catholic Diocese of Lokoja has announced the death of one of its priests, Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro.
The announcement was made in an obituary issued by the Diocese's Chancery Office on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, confirming that the priest passed away on the same day. Read original
In a statement released by the Diocese, church authorities expressed deep sorrow over his passing while encouraging the faithful to remain hopeful in the promise of the resurrection.
"It is with profound sorrow and in the hope of the resurrection that the Catholic Diocese of Lokoja announces the passing of our beloved priest, Fr. Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro, who departed this life on Wednesday, 29th July 2026," the statement said.
The Diocese described the late cleric as a dedicated servant of God who faithfully carried out his priestly ministry. It prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and entrusted him to God's mercy.
Church leaders also urged priests, religious and members of the laity to remember the late priest in their Holy Masses and personal prayers. They further appealed for prayers for his aged parents, siblings, parishioners and the entire Diocese of Lokoja as they mourn his loss.
"We kindly request all priests, religious and laity to pray for the peaceful repose of his soul during their Holy Masses and personal prayers and to pray for strength and consolation for his aged parents, siblings, parishioners and the entire Diocese of Lokoja during this time of grief," the Diocese added.
The obituary concluded with a prayer, saying:
"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the soul of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen."
Before his death, Rev. Fr. Oyetoro was serving at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Egbe, in Kogi State.
Meanwhile, reports circulating after the announcement allege that the priest was attacked by unidentified assailants and that his body was later found along a roadside in Ajaokuta, Kogi State. However, security authorities have not released a comprehensive official statement confirming the circumstances surrounding his death.
An investigation is reportedly ongoing to determine what happened and identify those responsible if foul play is established.
The news of Rev. Fr. Oyetoro's death has left parishioners, members of the Catholic community and many residents of Kogi State mourning, with renewed calls for a thorough investigation into the incident.
