The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger has condemned the killing of a Catholic Priest in Paikoro Local Government Area of the state.

CAN called on the three tiers of government to double efforts in securing lives and properties of residents of the state.

The statement issued on Sunday in Minna by Mr Daniel Atori, media aide to the CAN Chairman, Most Rev Bulus Yohanna, condemned the dastardly act.

“The CAN, Niger state strongly condemn the gruesome killing of the Catholic Priest of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Kaffin Koro, Very Rev fr. Isaac Achi in Paikoro local government area of Niger state.

“The CAN chairman is calling on the government at all levels, the police and other security agencies to double their efforts in tackling banditry and insecurity,” the statement read.

The Statement condoled with the catholic diocese of Minna, Parishioners and  the entire Christendom as well as the immediate family of  the slained priest.

Yohanna who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese prayed for the repose of the soul of late Achi and souls of all the faithful departed to rest in peace.

He called for investigations into the attacks, adding that the culprits must be brought to book.

“Enough of the attacks and wanton killings of innocent Nigeria citizens.

“One of the primary responsibilities of any government is to protect lives and properties of the people,” he said.

The Statement said that, “In the early hours of today (Sunday) the bandits got to the community, shooting sporadically, setting ablaze the Catholic Parish house, killed the Parish Priest and injured his assistant.”

It said that the late Achi until his death, was the CAN Coordinator of Paikoro local government area, the Dean and Parish Priest of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church kaffinkoro in  Minna Diocese.