The serene community of Tachira in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria, was shattered by the tragic news of the murder of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, the priest in charge of St Mary Catholic Church. The shocking incident, confirmed by the Kaduna State Police Command, plunged the Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan and the entire community into mourning. The circumstances surrounding Father Okechukwu’s death pointed towards a violent struggle, prompting the State Police Commissioner to order an immediate investigation and manhunt for the perpetrators of this heinous act.
The timeline of events leading to Father Okechukwu’s demise unfolded with chilling clarity. According to a statement released by Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan, the priest was abducted from his residence on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at approximately 9:15 p.m. His lifeless body was discovered the following day, Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025. The motive behind the kidnapping and subsequent murder remained shrouded in mystery, leaving the community grappling with unanswered questions and a profound sense of loss.
Father Okechukwu’s death reverberated throughout the diocese and beyond. He was remembered as a devoted servant of God, tirelessly working to spread messages of peace, love, and hope. His unwavering commitment to his parishioners made him a beloved figure in the community, always available to offer guidance and support. The void left by his untimely demise was deeply felt by his family, friends, and the entire diocesan family who shared in the collective grief.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan called for unity and prayer. An appeal was made to priests, religious individuals, and the faithful to offer Holy Masses, Rosaries, and prayers for the eternal repose of Father Okechukwu’s soul. The Chancellor, in his statement, acknowledged the profound pain caused by the priest’s sacrifice in service to God and humanity. He urged the youth and members of the Takad community to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing the importance of allowing the authorities to conduct their investigation unimpeded.
The Kaduna State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, assured the public of their commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice. The Commissioner of Police’s directive for an immediate investigation underscored the seriousness with which the authorities were treating the case. The “sign of struggle” discovered at the scene suggested a violent confrontation, further fueling the determination to uncover the truth behind this brutal act. While the police were actively pursuing leads, the details surrounding the investigation remained closely guarded to protect the integrity of the ongoing process.
The murder of Father Okechukwu serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by religious leaders and communities in various parts of the world. His dedication to his faith and his unwavering commitment to serving his community made him a target of this senseless violence. The incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and the importance of fostering peace and understanding among diverse communities. As the investigation unfolds, the community of Tachira, the Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan, and indeed the entire nation, mourn the loss of a dedicated servant of God and pray for justice to be served. The funeral arrangements for Father Okechukwu were yet to be finalized and would be communicated to the public in due course.
