SAD: Suspected Bandits Kill Catholic Church Rev. Father Okechukwu in Kaduna After Abducting Him from Home

 

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, a Catholic priest and pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church, Tachira, in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, after abducting him from his residence.

The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan confirmed the tragic incident in a statement issued by its Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

“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.”

The statement further revealed that the abductors took his life in the early hours of March 5, 2025, which coincided with Ash Wednesday.

“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,” the statement added.

Fr. Okechukwu was known for his unwavering dedication to his parishioners, with the diocese describing him as “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.”

Call for Calm and Prayers

In response to the tragedy, the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan called for calm and urged members of the Takad community and the public to avoid acts of retaliation.

“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 diocese also urged Catholics and the general public to pray for the repose of the slain priest’s soul.

“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.”

The diocese assured the public that funeral arrangements for the late priest would be communicated in due course.

Rising Insecurity in Kaduna State

Fr. Okechukwu’s murder highlights the growing insecurity in Kaduna State, where kidnappings and killings have become rampant. The state has witnessed numerous attacks on both Christian and Islamic clerics in recent years, with criminal gangs and terrorists targeting religious leaders and their congregations for ransom and, in some cases, execution.

This is not the first time Fr. Okechukwu had been a victim of kidnapping. In December 2022, he was abducted from the rectory of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Fadan Kono, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and was released after three days in captivity.

His latest abduction and subsequent killing have sparked renewed outrage over the deteriorating security situation in the region. Religious and civil society groups have repeatedly called on the Nigerian government to take decisive action against the rampant attacks on religious leaders and innocent citizens.