Southern Kaduna Leaders, US Mission Condemn Priest’s Murder

The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA) has condemned the abduction and brutal murder of Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu from the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, describing it as a sign of escalating insecurity and a possible targeted assault on Christian clerics.

Okechukwu was abducted from his residence by suspected bandits on Tuesday night and his corpse was found on Wednesday. He was serving at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Tachiri, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

In a statement released by its chairman, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, SKCLA expressed profound sorrow over the incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the Lord Bishop, Most Rev. Julius Yakubu Kundi, the clergy and the entire Catholic community.

“This inhumane act represents not only a devastating loss to the church but also a worrying indication of the deteriorating security situation in our region,” the statement said.

The United States Mission in Nigeria has also condemned the killing, describing it as brutal and senseless.

The Mission asked the Nigerian government to find his killers.

“The U.S. Mission is distressed by the brutal and senseless killing of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

“We strongly condemn this horrific act of violence,” the diplomatic mission said in a terse statement.

The American mission condoled with the “family, congregation, and community of Father Okechukwu, who have suffered an immeasurable loss.”

SKCLA decried what seems to be a troubling pattern of violence directed at Christian leaders in Southern Kaduna. The association recalled the abduction and murder of Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum in 2022, the assassination of Pastor Musa Mairiga from ECWA Church, and numerous other incidents involving the kidnapping and killing of church leaders in the area.

“These repeated assaults on men of God raise serious concerns: Is this a deliberate and systematic attack on Christians, particularly priests and pastors? Apostle Kure asked.

The Christian body urged security agencies to take decisive action against these violent crimes, warning that continued inaction could allow the situation escalate and be perceived as having religious motivations.

“They may be criminals, but why is it that church clerics are the only targets? We hope that both federal and state security forces will take significant measures to address this before it undermines the hard-won peace in the state,” the statement said.

SKCLA also encouraged Christians and all residents of Southern Kaduna to remain vigilant and security-conscious, advising them to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.

SKCLA urged the authorities to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible for this heinous act are held accountable.

“May God provide comfort to his family, the Catholic Church, and all those affected by this senseless act of violence,” Apostle Kure added.