Catholic Priest Abducted, Killed in Southern Kaduna

A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, has been abducted and killed by suspected bandits in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Fr. Okechukwu, who was the Pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church in Tachira, was reportedly taken from his residence around 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. By the early hours of Ash Wednesday, March 5, his life had been brutally cut short by his captors.

While the Kaduna State Police Command has yet to confirm the incident, the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan has officially announced his death. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Chancellor of the diocese, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, expressed deep sorrow over the killing.

The statement described Fr. Okechukwu as a devoted servant of God who dedicated his life to spreading peace, love, and hope. His tragic death, the diocese noted, has left an irreplaceable void among his parishioners and the larger Catholic community.

The Church has called for calm, urging youth and members of the Takad community to refrain from retaliatory actions. Instead, the faithful have been encouraged to offer prayers, Holy Masses, and Rosaries for the repose of Fr. Okechukwu’s soul.