Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu was the parish priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tachira, in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
It is reported that some gunmen arrived at his residence on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, around 9:15 PM and abducted the padre.
Fr. Okechukwu was murdered in cold blood on Wednesday morning, March 5, 2025.
Confirming the incident, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, wrote in a statement:
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“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.
“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.
“Let us come together as one family for the repose of his soul. We invite all priests, religious and faithful, to offer Holy Masses, Rosaries, and prayers for the eternal repose of Fr. Sylvester, who gave his life in service of God and humanity.
“We wish to call our youth and members of the Takad community to remain calm and steadfast in prayers. No one should take the law into their hands.
“The details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course. May we continue to hold one another in prayer and unity during this dark moment.”
Rev. Fr. Okechukwu, who hails from Ozarks Mbanu in Enugu State and was born in December 1980, was ordained a Catholic priest on 11th February 2021.
The reasons behind his gruesome murder are yet unknown.
