Okechukwu
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Rev. Fr Sylvester Okechukwu, the priest in charge of St Mary’s Catholic Church, Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has been killed by kidnappers.
The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan confirmed the death of the priest, a day after he was abducted.
In a statement signed by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, Okechukwu was reportedly killed in the early hours of Wednesday after being kidnapped from his residence on Tuesday night.
“After being taken by his abductors, we regret to inform you that Fr Sylvester was cruelly killed in the early hours of Wednesday, March 5,” the statement read.
“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,” Shanet said.
He described Okechukwu as a dedicated servant of God who worked selflessly in the vineyard of the Lord.
He appealed to members of the Takad community to remain calm and steadfast in prayer as well as desist from taking the law into their hands.
Shanet further said the deceased priest’s burial arrangements would be announced later.
