Piakaro – Terrorists set a Catholic priest on fire and burned him to death in Paikoro, Nigeria the Nigerian Police reported. The gunmen broke into Father Isaac Achi’s home, the Parish priest of St. Peters and Paul Catholic Church at 3 a.m. on Sunday, January 15 and also shot and injured his colleague, Father Collins.

The terrorists were said to have attempted to gain entry into the Catholic parish house and, while having difficulty doing so, set fire to the parish house and waited until it burned to ashes with the Father Achi still inside.

Father Collins was shot in the shoulder while fleeing the scene.

The Niger Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Wasiu, confirmed the incident and stated that efforts are being made to apprehend the perpetrators.

“Unfortunately, the terrorists reportedly attempted to gain entrance into the residence, but seemed difficult and set the house ablaze, while the said Rev. Father was burnt dead.

“Father Isaac’s lifeless body was recovered, while Father Collins was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

“The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Ogundele Ayodeji, had dispatched a reinforcement team to the area, and efforts are still being made to apprehend the assailants as the investigation into the unfortunate attack has begun.”

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 non-Christian north.

"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.
-Igbere / Reuters