By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
Tears has betrayed Catholic faithful of the Benin City Archdiocese as one of their priests, Reverend Father Charles Igechi was shot dead on Wednesday, June 7, by yet to identified gunmen along the Agbor Road, Ikhueniro area of Benin City, on his way to his place of assignment.
The priest who was ordained in August, 2022 was said to be a vice principal in a Catholic owned Secondary Institution.
The Catholic Archbishop of Benin City Archsiocese, Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze, however disclosed that the issue has been reported to the police and expressed hope that justice would be served on the perpetrators of the dastardly act.
Akubeze, in a condolence statement issued on Thursday, said the priest, who was ordained in August 2022, was shot on his back.
The statement read, “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