Reverend Father Slyvester Okechukwu Abducted, Murdered on Ash Wednesday; Diocese Mourns a Dedicated Servant of God
A Catholic priest in Kaduna State, Reverend Father Slyvester Okechukwu, has been killed by bandits after being kidnapped from his home in the Kaura Local Government Area on Tuesday night. The late priest, who served as the parish priest of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church Tachira, was abducted at around 9 pm on March 4, 2025, and was brutally murdered in the early hours of Wednesday, March 5, coinciding with Ash Wednesday.
The Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, confirmed the tragic incident in a statement on Wednesday. He described Father Okechukwu as a selfless and dedicated servant of God, committed to spreading messages of peace, love, and hope.
“His death has left a deep void in the diocesan community,” Shanet said, urging youths and community members to remain calm and steadfast in prayer. He also warned against any acts of lawlessness in response to the tragedy.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the incident, with spokesman Mansir Hassan stating that officers have been deployed to the area and neighboring communities to apprehend the perpetrators.
Father Okechukwu, born on December 11, 1980, was ordained a priest on February 11, 2021. This was not his first encounter with kidnappers; in December 2022, he was abducted from St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Fadan Kono, Kauru LGA, but was released after three days in captivity.
The murder of Father Okechukwu has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the persistent insecurity in the region. The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan and the broader Christian community are mourning the loss of a devoted clergyman, while calls for justice and improved security measures grow louder.
As investigations continue, the faithful are urged to honor Father Okechukwu’s memory through prayers and a commitment to the values of peace and love he championed throughout his ministry.