Father Sylvester Okechukwu, parish priest of St. Mary Tachira Church in the Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has been kidnapped and tragically killed.
The incident occurred on March 4, 2025, between 9:15 pm and 9:40 pm, when Father Okechukwu was abducted from his residence in Tachira. His lifeless body was discovered on March 5, 2025.
The Diocese of Kafanchan confirmed the devastating news in a statement signed by Father Jacob Shanet, Chancellor of the diocese.
“After being taken by his abductors, 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 read.
The diocese expressed profound grief over the loss of Father Okechukwu, 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.”
The statement continued, “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.”
The diocese called for prayers for the repose of Father Okechukwu’s soul and urged the Takad community to remain calm and steadfast in prayer.
Church Mourns Brutal Killing
The Diocese of Kafanchan expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of the priest, describing him as a dedicated servant of God.
“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. His untimely death has left an indelible void within our diocesan family,” the statement read.
The diocese called for prayers for the repose of his soul and urged parishioners and the Takad community to remain calm.
Surge in Attacks on Catholic Clergy in Nigeria
The murder of Fr. Okechukwu comes just days after another Catholic priest and a seminarian were kidnapped in Edo State. The spate of kidnappings targeting clergy members has raised concerns about the growing insecurity in Nigeria.
On February 12, 2025, another priest, Father Livinus Maurice, parish priest of St. Patrick’s Church in Isokpo, Rivers State, was abducted alongside two others while returning from a hospital visit. After days in captivity, Fr. Maurice and his companions were released on February 16 following pressure from security forces, including police, military, and local security personnel.
Meanwhile, Father Cornelius Manzak Damulak, who was kidnapped from his home in Bwari, Abuja, on February 6, managed to escape from captivity on February 13. He was found by police along the Pogo Paiko Highway in Minna, Niger State, after walking for several hours.
The wave of attacks on clergy members continued as two more priests—Father Matthew David Dutsemi of the Diocese of Yola and Father Abraham Saummam of the Diocese of Jalingo—were kidnapped on February 22.
The armed men raided the rectory in Gweda-Mallam, Adamawa State, in the early hours of the morning, taking both priests hostage.
In response, the Diocese of Yola urged the faithful to pray for their swift and safe release. “We place our hope and trust in the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, to bring them to safety,” a statement from the diocese read.
