AFRICA/NIGERIA - Father Sylvester Okechukwu killed on Ash Wednesday, a few hours after his kidnapping

Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – A Catholic priest was kidnapped and then killed in northern Nigeria. He is Father Sylvester Okechukwu, parish priest of the church of St Mary Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to the diocese of Kafanchan, Father Okechukwu was kidnapped in his residence in Tachira on March 4, 2025, between 9.15 pm and 9.40 pm. His lifeless body was found yesterday, March 5. “After being taken by his abductors, 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,” said the statement signed by Father Jacob Shanet, Chancellor of the diocese of Kafanchan.
“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. 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 statement continued.
“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.
We wish to call on our youth and members of the Takad community to remain calm and steadfast in prayer,” the statement concluded.
The kidnapping of Father Okechukwu occurred just two days after another priest and a seminarian were kidnapped in Edo State in Nigeria (see Fides, 4/3/2025). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 6/3/2025)

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