A Catholic priest, Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, has been killed by suspected bandits after being abducted from his residence in Tachiri, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The tragic incident, which happened late Tuesday night, has thrown the community into mourning and renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in Southern Kaduna.
Sources within the church and local residents said the assailants stormed Father Okechukwu’s residence under the cover of darkness and took him away. Hours later, his lifeless body was discovered.
A parishioner, who spoke anonymously, described him as a compassionate and dedicated priest.
“He was a father to us all, always there to pray with us and guide us through hard times. Who could do this to such a peaceful man?” the source lamented.
Confirming the killing, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the Commissioner of Police had ordered an immediate manhunt for the perpetrators.
“The circumstances of his death, there’s a sign of struggle, so the Kaduna State Police Commissioner has given an instant order to unravel those behind the devilish act,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan has expressed deep sorrow over the killing.
In a statement signed by the Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, the diocese confirmed that Father Okechukwu was kidnapped around 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, 4 March, before his body was discovered on Ash Wednesday, 5 March
“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,” the statement read.
The diocese urged parishioners to remain calm and avoid any form of retaliation. “We wish to call on our youth and members of the Takad community to remain calm and steadfast in prayer, warning that no one should take the law into their hands,” the statement added.
At the time of filing this report, the police had yet to make any arrests, and the motive behind the killing remained unknown.
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