TheCable

Niger state government says it will build a new catholic church in Kafin-koro in honour of Isaac Achi, a priest of St. Peters and Paul Catholic Church.

The priest was killed by terrorists in Kafin-Koro, Paiko LGA of the state.

Achi was said to have been burnt to death by terrorists who attacked his residence at about 3 am on January 15.

The terrorists also shot a colleague of the priest, identified as father Collins, while he was attempting to escape.

During a condolence visit to Martin Uzoukwu, the Catholic bishop of Minna at the St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Ahmed Matane, secretary to the state government (SSG), disclosed that the state government has resolved to build a new parish in honour of the late priest.

Matane described the death of the priest as painful, but added that  “we console that his legacy of selfless service to humanity remains evergreen”.

He described the late Achi as an exceptional clergy who preached salvation and impacted positively his followers everywhere he served.

According to a statement signed by Lawal Tanko, spokesperson to the SSG, “Ahmed Matane told most Rev. Uzoukwu that the government will collaborate with the Catholic Diocese of Minna and other organisations in finding a lasting solution to insecurity which has become a major threat to lives and property of the citizenry in the state.”

“On behalf of the people and government of the state, the SSG prayed God to have mercy on the soul of the deceased, give his immediate family, members of the Catholic Diocese of Minna, and the Christian community in the State the fortitude to bear the loss.”

The SSG was accompanied by Yusuf Liman, commissioner for youth and sports development;  Emmanuel Musa, commissioner of information and strategy; Emmanuel Umar, commissioner for internal security;  Akilu Musa, permanent secretary, ministry of finance;  Abubakar Mohammed, director-general of religious affairs and the chairman of Paikoro LGA.