Abducted Catholic priest killed in captivity

The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan in Kaduna State has confirmed the death of its priest, Rev. Fr Sylvester Okechukwu, just a day after he was kidnapped.

Okechukwu was the priest of St Mary Catholic Church at Tachira in the Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

A statement issued by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr Jacob Shanet, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, said Okechukwu was killed in the early hours of Wednesday after he was kidnapped from his residence on Tuesday night.

Shanet stated: “After being taken by his abductors, we regret to inform you that Fr Sylvester was cruelly killed in the early hours of Wednesday, March 5.

“It is yet to be determined why he was killed.”

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Shanet described the deceased priest as “a dedicated servant of God who worked selflessly in the vineyard of the Lord.”

He added: “This untimely and brutal loss has left us broken and devastated. 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 loved him.”

Shanet urged the members of the Takad community to remain calm and steadfast in prayer as well as desist from taking the law into their hands.

He added that funeral arrangements of the late priest will be communicated in due course.

The Star