JUST-IN: Troops Arrest Killers Of Catholic Cleric In Kaduna

Troops of Sector 7 of the Special Task Force codenamed Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have arrested the suspected killers of a Catholic cleric, Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu.

The cleric was murdered after his abduction in Tachira Village in Kaura local government area of Kaduna State.

OPSH Media Officer, Major Samson Zhakom in a statement in Jos, the Plateau State capital, said the suspects were arrested on Tuesday following a raid on the prime suspect’s hideout located at Ruga settlement in Warsa-Piti Village, Lere local government area of Kaduna State.

Major Zhakom said the prime suspect, a 33-year-old Pate Yau, confessed during investigation to have been contracted by one Douglas Henry who was living in the same house with the slain priest to kidnap him.

He added that the troops, in a follow-up operation arrested Henry at Agwan Sariki Tachira in Kaura LGA of the state, adding that the arrested suspects were in custody undergoing further interrogation.

LEADERSHIP recalls that Rev’d Fr Okechukwu, the parish priest of St Mary’s Catholic Church, Tachira was kidnapped in his residence at Tachira on March 4, 2025 around 9:40 pm.

His lifeless body was found the following day, which was Ash Wednesday on March 5.