TELL Magazine

A Catholic Priest from the Archdiocese of Benin, Rev Fr. Charles Onomhoale Ikechi, was Wednesday night murdered in cold blood by unknown gunmen in Benin-Cty, Edo State.

The bullet-ridden remains of the deceased who was about 10 months old in the priesthood, was recovered Thursday morning at the Agbor Road axis of the state capital.

Though the state Police Command was yet to react to the incident, the Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, Augustine Akubeze, however confirmed the loss of one of his Priests.

Igechi was ordained to the priesthood August 13, 2022, and was until his death, the Vice Principal of St. Michael College, Ikhueniro, Agbor Road.

TELL gathered that he was on his way to the school when he was attacked and killed. His assailants made away with his car and other personal belongings.

Archbishop Akubeze said the matter had been reported to the police, and expressed hope that justice would be served on the perpetrators of the illegal act.

Akubeze, who gave more details about how Igechi met his gruesome death in a condolence statement on Thursday, said the priest was shot on the back on his way to his place of assignment and his remains were found by Boundary Street in Ikpoba Hill, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State

The statement reads: “With deep sadness and sorrow in our hearts, we wish to inform you of the death of one of our priests in the Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Charles Onomhoale Igechi, who was ordained on the 13 of August, 2022 and who, until his death, was the Vice Principal of St. Michael College, Ikhueniro.

“With great shock, we received the news this morning that he was shot on his way back to his place of assignment, on the 7th of June, 2023 and his remains were found by Boundary Street in Ikpoba Hill, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State.

“We therefore wish to solicit for your prayers for the happy repose of his soul. I kindly wish to use this medium to inform all priests that there shall be a Mass for the peaceful repose of Rev. Fr. Charlies Onomhoale igechi, tomorrow June 9, 2023 at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre’s Chapel at 10:00am.

“I entrust you all to the maternal intercession of our Lady of Sorrow. May God continue to guide and protect all the faithful in the Archdiocese of Benin City and may the soul of Rev. Fr. Charles Igechi find peace and tranquillity in the loving embrace of our risen Saviour. Amen”.