By Achadu Gabriel, kaduna

It was an uneasy calm and serenity on Wednesday in Kaura LGA of kaduna state following the tragic news of brutal killing of the kidnapped Catholic priest by his abductors.

The victim priest, Rev. Father Sylvester Okechukwu, was the Pastor of St Mary Catholic Church Tachira, Kaura LGA of Kaduna State, and was reportedly kidnapped from his residence and killed by his abductors on 5th march 2025, on Ash Wednesday”.

These was announced by Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, PhD, Chancellor, in a statement from the Curia to Vicars Forane, Priests, Religious, Lay Faithful, and all Women and Men of Goodwill, made available to newsmen Wednesday.

The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan Office of the Chancellor Cratios Yonis Et Humilem, Catholic Diocese of kafanchan, Bishop house, has in the statement also confirmed the incident, appealing to everyone to remain calm and should not take law into their hands.

The statement reads “From: The Curia To: Vicars Forane, Priests, Religious, Lay Faithful, and all Women and Men of Goodwill.
Subject: Death of Fr Sylvester Okechukwu, date, 5th March 2025.

“It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the tragic death of our beloved Priest, Rev Fr Sylvester Okechukwu”, it stated.

The statement added that late Rev Fr. Okechukwu was Born 11th December 1980 and ordained 11th Feb. 2021, and was the Pastor of St Mary Catholic Church Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

“Fr Sylvester was kidnapped from his residence was the Pastor of St Mary Catholic Church Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Fr Sylvester was kidnapped from his residence

“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.

“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.

‘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. 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. In Christ’s Love”, it stated.

The State Police command is yet to issue any statement in respect of the incident, before the time of filling this reports.