Tragedy has struck the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan following the gruesome murder of Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, a priest kidnapped just a day before in Kaduna State.
Fr. Okechukwu, who served as the parish priest of St. Mary Catholic Church, Tachira, in Kaura Local Government Area, was abducted from his residence on Tuesday night. However, hopes for his safe return were shattered when his lifeless body was discovered early Wednesday morning.
The Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, confirmed the devastating news in a statement, describing the killing as cruel and senseless.
“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,” Fr. Shanet stated.
He mourned the slain priest as a devoted servant of God who tirelessly dedicated his life to his faith and parishioners.
“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,” he added.
In light of the tragedy, the Diocese urged members of the Takad community to remain calm and prayerful, cautioning against any reprisals.
Meanwhile, arrangements for the late priest’s funeral will be announced in due course.
This brutal killing has once again raised concerns over the growing insecurity in Kaduna State, where kidnappings and attacks on communities have become alarmingly frequent.
