The Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City in the Edo State of Nigeria has been thrown into a state of mourning following the untimely death of Rev. Fr. Charles Onomboale Igechi, a recently ordained priest who served as the Vice Principal of St. Michael College in Ikhueniro.
The shocking news of his demise was reported barely ten months after his ordination as priest and has left the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Nigerian Catholic community in deep sorrow.
According to an official statement from the Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze, Rev. Fr. Charles Onomboale Igechi was fatally shot on June 7, 2023, while returning to his place of assignment. His lifeless body was discovered on Boundary Street in Ikpoba Hill, within the Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.
He mentioned that the appropriate security agency has been notified, with investigations currently underway to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In his statement, the Archbishop requested the entire Archdiocese to remember Rev. Fr. Charles Onomboale Igechi in their prayers, seeking solace for his departed soul. The statement also informed the priests of the scheduled Mass in honor of the late priest, which will be held on June 9, 2023, at 10:00 am in the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre’s Chapel.
The Archbishop, in his statement, further urged the entire Catholic community to unite in seeking the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Sorrow during this time of grief.
Archbishop Akubeze also offered his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the slain priest and prayed for the eternal peace and tranquility of Rev. Fr. Charles Igechi’s soul.
