Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, a Catholic priest from Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area, Kaduna State, has tragically been killed by his abductors. The incident occurred after he was kidnapped on the night of March 4, 2025, at around 9 pm. His body was found in the early hours of March 5, coinciding with Ash Wednesday.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, confirmed the priest’s death and described him as a devoted servant of God, dedicated to promoting peace and hope. The motive behind the killing remains unclear. Father Okechukwu’s death has left a profound loss within the diocesan community.
Authorities in Kaduna State, including police officers led by spokesman Mansir Hassan, have been deployed to track down those responsible for the murder. This marks the second time Father Okechukwu has been abducted, as he was previously kidnapped in December 2022 but was released after three days in captivity.
The Catholic Diocese has urged the community to remain calm, offering prayers for the deceased and calling for peace amidst the grief.