#BreakingNews Catholic Priest Killed on Ash Wednesday who had Previously Escaped Kidnapping 2 Years Ago - RIP Fr. Sylvester

The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, in Nigeria, Africa, just released that one of their kidnapped priests was killed. On Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025, they announced the death of Fr Sylvester Okechukwu, who had previously escaped a 2022 kidnapping.

STATEMENT:

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the tragic death of our beloved Priest,Rev Fr Sylvester Okechukwu (Born 11/12/1980 and ordained 11/02/2021),who was the Pastor of St Mary Catholic Church Tachira, Kaura Local Government Areaof Kaduna State. Fr Sylvester was kidnapped from his residence on the evening of 4th March 2025 at approximately 9:15 PM WAT.

After being taken by his abductors, we regret to inform you that Fr Sylvester was cruellykilled in the early hours of today, the 5th of March 2025,Ash Wednesday. It is yet to be determined why he was killed.

This untimely and brutal loss has left us heartbroken and devastated. Fr Sylvester was a dedicated servant of God, who worked selflessly in the vineyard of the Lord, spreading the message of peace, love and hope .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 knew and loved him.

Let us come together as one family in prayer for the repose of his soul. We invite all priests,religious and the faithful, to offer Holy Masses, Rosaries and Prayers for the eternal repose of Fr Sylvester,who gave his life in service to God and humanity.

We wish to call on our youth and members of the Takad community to remain calm and steadfast in prayer. No one should take the law into their hands.

The details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course. May wecontinue to hold one another in prayer and unity during this dark moment.

In Christ's Love,

Rev. Fr .Jacob Shanet,PhD, Chancellor