He took a bullet for his parishioner" - Congregants

"He took a bullet for his parishioner" - Congregants mourn Catholic priest burnt to d3ath by bandits in Niger state, as it is revealed that he survived Madala church bomb blast, kidnapping and robbery attack

The parish priest of St. Peter’s and Paul Catholic Church, Kafin-Koro, in Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, Rev. Fr. Isaac Achi, who was killed by bandits last Sunday, had earlier survived a bomb blast, gunshot and kidnapping. 

According to the grieving parishioners, who spoke to The Nation, the late cleric survived the December 2011 bombing at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Madalla, Suleja Local Government Area, escaped a previous kidnap attempt when terrorists invaded his residence in 2013, and survived a robbery shooting two years ago.

The priest allegedly suffocated in the smoke as he could not escape since the terrorists were waiting outside, ready to shoot anyone who came out.

Sources said the deceased called for help and some relatives alerted the Divisional Police Office and Police Tactical Team who, unfortunately, arrived after the terrorists had gone.

A visit to the scene showed that Fr. Achi burnt to ashes with nothing left standing.

Some congregants described the deceased as an easygoing man ready to help at any time.

David Bulus said he could not hold back his tears when he saw the burnt body of his priest.

"My Father was roasted by those people. You cannot imagine what he went through. To have died just like that, roasted like ‘boli’. Now, who would I run to when I need advice? He has always been there, he always had time for us. Now, our Father is gone,” David said with tears.

A Youth Corp member, Daniel Ezieonu, described the priest as a big brother figure to them in the council ‘as he never hesitated to share his food and drink with everyone around the church’.

A parishioner of St. Theresa Catholic Church, Micheal Oche, said the deceased was a blessing to many families during the trying period of the Madalla bomb blast. He called on the government to ensure the culprits are brought to book. 

A Twitter user, Chinaza Asogwa, recalled how the priest came to their aid when thieves invaded their house.