By Correspondent in Benin.
Against the backdrop of the killing of the abducted Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, by suspected Herdsmen in Ikabigbo, Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government of Edo State, there is a growing call on the State government to issue gun license to citizens for self defence.
Livid with anger and condemnation about the ugly incident which took place on Sunday, some natives have stressed the need for a gun license to protect themselves and properties from the herdsmen menace.
The people, who spoke to our Correspondent in reaction to the sad incident, urged the Edo state government to as a matter of urgency,issue gun license to citizens because deaths as a result of kidnapping, saying that deaths due to banditry had become unbearable for them.
They argued that there was serious need for the state government to act fast to prevent further attacks on innocent citizens.
Our Correspondent recalls that Reverend Father Christopher Odia was abducted on Sunday morning at about 6 : 30a.m in his rectory and was later found dead same day without the assailants making any demand.
Reports have it that three people were in pursuit of the abductors, and in the process, one of them was shot dead, while the two others sustained injury and later rushed to the hospital for treatment.
The Director of Social Communications, in the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, confirmed in a statement that Rev. Fr. Odia was abducted in his rectory while coming out to go for Sunday Mass at St. Micheal Catholic Church, Ikabigbo.
According to him, “until his death, Fr. Odia was the administrator of St Micheal Catholic Church, Ikabigbo and also the Principal of St. Philip Catholic Secondary School, Jattu. He was 41 years old”.
He added that burialarrangements wouls be announced by the Diocese later.
Meanwhile, the people of Ogbona and Avianwu community in Etsako Central Local Government are in grief and mourning mood over the loss of their illustrious son, Reverend Father Christopher Odia.
Meanwhile,a combined team of security personnel and vigilante group has launched manhunt in search of the abductors of the late cleric.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
