Fr. Charles Onomhoale Igechi was tragically shot on Wednesday 7th June as he returned to St. Michael’s College where he served as the vice principal. He had been at his place of assignment for less than a year.
The Archbishop of Benin City, Augustine Akubeze, issued a statement the next day and said Fr. Charles was found by, “boundary street in Ikpoba Hill, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo state.”
“The appropriate security agency has been informed and they are presently working on the case.”
A mass was held for Fr. Charles on Friday 9th June 2023 at Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre, Benin.
Some Twitter users expressed their shock at the death of the priest saying:
“I knew him personally….it’s so sad to hear this heartbreaking news. May God rest his soul”.
“This is terrible!!! I pray justice will be served. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.”
According to ACI Africa, Fr. Charles is the latest victim in a series of attacks targeting clergymen in Nigeria.
Open Doors, a charity that reports persecution towards Christians in the World Watch List, ranked Nigeria among the top ten most dangerous places for practicing Christians.
As of 2023 Nigeria is now the 6th, which is one higher than in 2022. In the last 5 years, Nigeria has moved up seven places.
