Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, a Catholic priest and pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church, Tachira, in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, after abducting him from his residence.
The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan confirmed the tragic incident in a statement issued by its Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
“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. Fr. Sylvester was kidnapped from his residence on the evening of 4th March 2025 at approximately 9:15 PM WAT.”
“After being taken by his abductors, we regret to inform you that 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 added.
Fr. Okechukwu was known for his unwavering dedication to his parishioners, with the diocese 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. 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 knew and loved him.”
The Diocese has called for calm in the wake of the tragic killing, urging members of the Takad community and the public to avoid any acts of retaliation.
“We wish to call on our youth and members of the Takad community to remain calm and steadfast in prayer. No one should take the law into their hands.”
It further called on the Catholic faithful to pray for the repose of his soul, stating, “Let us come together as one family in prayer for the repose of his soul. We invite all priests, religious and the faithful, to offer Holy Masses, Rosaries, and Prayers for the eternal repose of Fr. Sylvester, who gave his life in service to God and humanity.”
The Diocese said funeral arrangements for the slain priest would be communicated in due course.
Fr. Okechukwu’s murder highlights the growing insecurity in Kaduna State, where kidnappings and killings have become rampant.
The state has witnessed numerous attacks on Christian and Islamic clerics in recent years, with criminal gangs and terrorists targeting religious leaders and their congregations for ransom and, in some cases, outright execution.
This is not the first time Fr. Okechukwu has been a victim of kidnapping. In December 2022, he was abducted from the rectory of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Fadan Kono, Kauru LGA of Kaduna State, and was released after three days in captivity.
His latest abduction and subsequent killing have sparked renewed outrage over the deteriorating security situation in the region. Religious and civil society groups have repeatedly called on the Nigerian government to take decisive action against the rampant attacks on religious leaders and innocent citizens.
