Nigeria, April 23 -- Gunmen have killed Emmanuel Ezeokwe, an Anglican priest, in an overnight attack on a vicarage in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State, authorities have said.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday in the Zinai community, has heightened concerns over recurring attacks on rural communities in the state.

The Adamawa State Police Command confirmed the killing in a statement by its spokesperson, Suleiman Nguroje, saying the attack was reported at about 6:30 a.m. by a resident.

According to the police, the gunmen invaded the community around 12:48 a.m. and shot the cleric inside his residence.

Police officers who responded to the report found the victim at the scene and took him to a hospital,...