The remains of Rev Father Isaac Achi burnt to death by unknown gunmen were buried at the St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Bosso Local Government Areas of Niger State on Friday.
Reverend Father Achi was the CAN coordinator of Paikoro Local Government Area, and the Dean and Parish Priest of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church Kaffin-Koro in Minna Diocese.
The priest was burnt in his residence when the bandits could not gain access to the parish house last Sunday, while his assistant, Fr. Collins was shot while trying to escape.
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Before his gruesome murder, he had survived multiple attacks, including the Christmas Day bombing in Madalla, still in Niger State, in 2011.
More than 500 Catholic priests from within and outside Nigeria thronged the St Michael’s Catholic Cathedral Church Minna to bid farewell to the late cleric in overcrowded final funeral rites.
Speaking during the funeral service, the Dean of the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Catholic University, Port Harcourt, Very Reverend Father Samuel Gwimi described the gruesome murder of Fr. Achi as shocking to him and other priests.
According to him, “We are still looking for answers and explanations as to why he was killed, but we have also consoled ourselves in the Lord knowing the slain priest is resting in the bosom of God.”
Gwimi called on other priests and Christians to immortalize Rev. Achi by exhibiting his character of generosity and seeker of truth and peace.
“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.”
He also appealed to political leaders and security agents in the nation to be more proactive about the issues of security to stop future occurrences from happening.
“Father Achi fought a good fight of faith and finished the race and is already sitting peacefully with God,” the cleric added.
Condolences
Also, the Bishop of Minna, Bishop Martin Igwemezie Uzoukwu described Father Achi as a courageous and peace-loving man who stood for peace and justice, saying that he would be greatly missed by all.
Uzoukwu then called on the government to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.
Similarly, the Niger State chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Most Reverend Bulus Dauda Yohanna stated that Fr. Achi was a person who was prepared to proffer solutions to problems and was very generous to everyone.
After the funeral, the APC governorship candidate in the state, Umar Bago, who described Achi as a close friend and adviser, said that those who killed Father Achi would not escape.
“I pray that those who perpetrate this are apprehended. God will not let them escape what they have done,” Bago said.
He said that although Niger State had been facing a lot of insecurity issues and challenges, it would come to an end very soon as solutions and strategies are developed to stop those perpetrating these crimes.
The Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District, Senator Sani Musa, who commiserated the family and the people of Niger State over the death, said that the only way to stop future occurrences of such incident was to ensure that the security infrastructure was completely overhauled.
“This is a sad moment for our community, the state and Nigeria. Today, Nigerians have become danger species. The only way we have to do this is to ensure that the security infrastructure is completely overhauled,” he said.
