By Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, the priest of St. Mary Catholic Church, Tachira, after abducting him from his home in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The tragic news was confirmed by Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, the Chancellor of the Diocese of Kafanchan, who issued a public statement to mourn the loss of the dedicated clergyman.
According to Rev. Fr. Shanet, Fr. Sylvester was kidnapped from his residence around 9:15 pm on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Despite hopes for his safe return, the priest was cruelly murdered just hours later, on Ash Wednesday.
“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),” Shanet said. He described Fr. Sylvester as a humble and selfless servant of God, who worked tirelessly to spread love, peace, and hope within his parish and beyond.
The Diocese has urged the community, especially the youth, to remain calm and prayerful, warning against any act of retaliation. They called on all faithful to offer prayers, Masses, and Rosaries for the peaceful repose of the slain priest’s soul.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course, but for now, the Diocese says it stands united in grief and prayer, mourning the loss of a priest who dedicated his life to serving God and humanity.
