Catholic priest burned to death, another shot in north Nigeria


  • World
  • Sunday, 15 Jan 2023

(Reuters) - Gunmen burned a Catholic priest to death and shot and injured his colleague in northwest Nigeria on Sunday, police said, the latest violence raising concerns about security ahead of an election next month.

Nigerians will vote for a new president on Feb. 25 but kidnappings for ransom and killings by armed gangs in the north have lead to fears that polls may not be held in some areas.

The motive for the latest attack was not immediately clear but gunmen have previously targeted priests in the largely Muslim north.

Wasiu Abiodun, police spokesperson for Niger state, said in a statement that armed men torched the residence of Father Isaac Achi, of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, in Paikoro local government area, after failing to gain entry around 3:00 a.m.

Father Achi was burned to death while another priest identified as Father Collins, who was at the house, was shot and injured as he tried to escape.

He is recovering at a local hospital, Adiodun said.

"This is a sad moment. For a priest to be killed in such a manner means that we are not all safe. These terrorists have lost it, and drastic action is needed to end this ongoing carnage," said Niger state governor Sani Bello.

(Reporting by Maiduguri newsroom, writing by MacDonald Dzirutwe, editing by Andrew Cawthorne)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In World

Venezuela authorities release 103 people arrested after election
France's Macron to name new prime minister on Friday, Elysee says
Russia in contact with Syrian rebels, hopes to keep military bases, Interfax reports
Amid ashes of Assad family's mausoleum, Syrian rebels vow to erase their legacy
Belarusian president approves defense plan for 2026-2030
Judge killed in violence-plagued Mexican city a day after president's visit
Int'l conference held in London to explore role of AI in shaping future of higher education
Belarus sets up 5,325 polling stations for presidential elections
Canadian province Alberta creates patrol unit to police US border
DR Congo reports nearly 54,000 suspected mpox cases this year

Others Also Read