A 44-year-old Catholic priest, Rev Fr Sylvester Okechukwu, has been confirmed killed by his abductors.
A statement from the Office of the Chancellor, Catholic Diocese of Kafancha, signed by Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, confirmed the cleric’s murder on Wednesday.
The diocese had on Tuesday night informed priests and lay faithful that Okechukwu, who was the parish priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, Tachira, Kaura Local Government Council of Kaduna State, was kidnapped in his residence at Tachira on Tuesday, 4th March 2025, between 9:15 and 9:40 pm.
The Church had solicited prayers for his urgent and safe release, and promised to ye use every legitimate means to ensure that Fr Okechukwu returns to his parish safe and sound.
Sadly, the diocese revealed with sorrow that the abducted priest was killed on Wednesday morning.
“It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the tragic death of our beloved Priest, Rev Fr Sylvester Okechukwu (Born 11/12/1980 and ordained 11/02/2021), who was the Pastor of St Mary Catholic Church Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Fr Sylvester was kidnapped from his residence on the evening of 4th March 2025 at approximately 9:15 PM WAT.
“After being taken by his abductors, we regret to inform you that Fr Sylvester was cruelly killed in the early hours of today, the 5th of March 2025, Ash Wednesday. It is yet to be determined why he was killed.
“This untimely and brutal loss has left us heartbroken and devastated. Fr Sylvester was a dedicated servant of God, who worked selflessly in the vineyard of the Lord, spreading the message of peace, love and hope. He was always available and accessible to his parishioners. His untimely death has left an indelible void within our diocesan family, and we share in the pain of his passing with his family, friends and all those who knew and loved him.
“Let us come together as one family in prayer for the repose of his soul. We invite all priests, religious and the faithful, to offer Holy Masses, Rosaries and Prayers for the eternal repose of Fr Sylvester, who gave his life in service to God and humanity.
“We wish to call on our youth and members of the Takad community to remain calm and steadfast in prayer. No one should take the law into their hands.
“The details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course. May we continue to hold one another in prayer and unity during this dark moment,” the Chancellor said.