Bandits kill Catholic priest a day after abduction in Kaduna

Bandits have killed Sylvester Okechukwu, a Catholic priest in the diocese of Kafanchan, Kaduna.

Jacob Shanet, chancellor of the diocese, who confirmed the incident in a statement, said bandits abducted Okechukwu from his residence on Tuesday night and killed him on Wednesday morning.

He was the pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church, Tachira, in Kaura LGA of Kaduna state.

“After being taken by his abductors, we regret to inform you that Father Sylvester was cruelly killed in the early hours of Wednesday, March 5,” the statement reads.

“It is yet to be determined why he was killed.

“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.”

According to the chancellor, the late priest was a dedicated servant of God who worked selflessly in the vineyard of the Lord.

Shanet also appealed to members of the Takad community to stay calm and be committed to prayer as well as desist from taking the law into their hands.

“The funeral arrangements of the late priest will be communicated in due course,” he said.