Reverend Father Isaac Achi, the Priest of St. Peters and Paul Catholic Church, Kafin-Koro, Paikoro local government area of Niger state who was burnt to death by bandits in his residence last Sunday has been buried in Minna amidst tears from a mammoth crowd.
During the raid of his residence and gruesome murder, his Colleague, Father Collins was also shot while he was trying to escape from the burning house and still recuperating in the hospital.
In his sermon, the Dean in the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Catholic University, Port Harcourt, Very Revered Father Samuel Gwimi lamented over the gruesome way Revered Achi was killed saying that he and other Priests are still in shock over the death.
Gwimi said that they are still looking for answers and explanations as to why he was killed while stating that they have also consoled themselves in the Lord knowing that the deceased is resting in the bosom of God.
“Late Father Achi has touched every one of us in one way or the other. His generosity to individuals and groups cannot be quantified and that is why his death is painful to us all. The separation from him is painful because of the touch and impact he has had in our lives.”
Gwimi then appealed to political leaders and security agents to be more proactive in the handling of security across the country to forestall future occurrences.
The Bishop of Minna, Bishop Martin Igwemezie Uzoukwu described Father Achi as a courageous and peace-loving man who stood for peace and justice and called on the government to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book and also ensure the safety of lives of Christians whom he said are daily being attacked and slaughtered like chickens.
The Niger state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Reverend Bulus Dauda Yohanna described the slain Priest as one who always proffers solutions to problems and was very generous to everyone.
Politicians, Clergymen from all works of life attended the burial to pay their last respect to the late Reverend who was buried at the Bossom Catholic Cemetry