Hon. Patrick Agbona Ikhane has condoled with the family of late parish priest of St Michael Catholic Church, lkhabigbo, Etsako West local government area of the Edo State, Rev. Father Christopher Odia, who was killed by kidnappers soon after he was abducted while on his way mass on Sunday.

On his message, he said “I sympathize with the family of Late Rev Father Odia and the entire Catholic Diocese in the state, over the death of our own brother, son and a priest.”

In shock, Hon. Patrick Agbona Ikhane said, “It beat my heart seen a young promising, humble, dedicated man being killed for no reason.

“I want to use this medium to call on the state government, the security agency to work closely to bring those perpetrator to book, as i call on our brothers and sisters to be vigilant.

“I pray God grant the family the privilege to bear this irreplaceable lose.
My condolences to the entire family and Catholic Diocese in particular”, a statement signed by the Hon Patrick Agbona Ikhane Campaign Organization said.

The Edo State Police Spokesperson, ASP Jennifer Iwegbu, had in a statement on Monday in Benin confirmed that Rev Father Christopher Odia was killed while police operatives were trying to rescue him from his abductors.

According to her, the kidnappers, who were frustrated that they were being pursued also killed a hunter who was part of the team going to rescue the Catholic Priest.

She added that police was able to kill one of the kidnappers while the other escaped with bullet injuries.

“In frustration, the kidnapped Rev Father Christopher Odia was killed by his abductors. A Hunter identified as Mr Nurudeen was also shot dead in the process while the superior firepower of the police personnel who went on the trail of the kidnappers decimated one of them.

“Other gang members escaped with various gunshot injuries. Intensive bush combing is ongoing towards ensuring that those who escaped are arrested and made to face justice,” Police Public Relations Officer, Iwegbu said.

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