Suspected bandits kill abducted Catholic priest in Kaduna

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed a Catholic priest in Kaduna State, Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu.

Okechukwu, who was the pastor of St Mary’s Catholic Church, Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was abducted by unknown gunmen at his residence on Tuesday night.

A Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev.Fr. Jacob Shanet, confirmed the news in a statement on Wednesday.

He said Okechukwu was killed in the early hours of Wednesday.

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Shanet said: “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.

“It is yet to be determined why he was killed.”

He described the deceased priest as a dedicated servant of God who worked selflessly in the vineyard of the Lord.

“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,” he added.

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