With deep sympathy, the national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) wishes to condole with the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria and the entire Catholic faithful in the country on the gruesome murder of Rev. Fr. Isaac Achi, the Parish Priest of St. Peter and Paul Church, Kafin-Koro in Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, a few days ago.

Fr. Achi, who was buried on Friday, has earned his place as a committed servant of God and minister of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ on account of the high standards of ethics and devotion with which he discharged his responsibilities as a religious leader.

His death is a sad development at a time his parishioners and by extension other Christians in the country can benefit more from his leadership and sense of direction. It is a big loss to the Church in which he played major roles as priest, guardian and philanthropist to many needy members of our society. Because of these impeccable records, he lives in our hearts. His indelible footprints tell us that he will always be part of the journey of many believers in Nigeria and the world at large.

As we condole with the entire Catholic Church at this moment of grief, CAN calls on the security agencies and authorities involved in the protection of citizens to improve the internal and external security framework, in order to stop future occurrences of such incidents that led to Fr. Achi’s sudden demise.

May his soul rest in perfect peace, Amen!