Bandits kill abducted Catholic priest in Kaduna

By: Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna

A Catholic priest, Rev. Father Sylvester Okechukwu, has been killed by suspected bandits after being abducted from his residence in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

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

According to the diocese, Fr. Okechukwu was kidnapped from his home at about 9:15 PM on March 4, 2025, adding that his captors killed him in the early hours of March 5, which coincided with Ash Wednesday. The reason for his murder remains unclear.

“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,” the statement read.

The diocese described Okechukwu as a selfless servant of God, dedicated to spreading the message of peace, love, and hope. His death, they noted, has left a deep void in the diocesan community.

The church has urged calm among its members and the Takad community, discouraging any form of retaliation.

Catholic faithful also has been encouraged to pray for the repose of Fr. Okechukwu’s soul, with the diocese calling for Masses, Rosaries, and prayers in his honor. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

“We call on our youth and community members to remain calm and steadfast in prayer. No one should take the law into their hands,” the diocese stated.

This was not the first time Fr. Okechukwu had been kidnapped. In December 2022, he was abducted from St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Fadan Kono, Kauru LGA, but was released after three days in captivity.