U.S. Reacts To The ‘Horrific’ Killing Of Catholic Priest Sylvester Okechukwu By Gunmen In Kaduna

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic and senseless killing of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu in Kaduna State.

In a strongly worded statement, the Mission condemned the horrific act of violence and extended its condolences to Father Okechukwu’s family, congregation, and community.

“We strongly condemn this horrific act of violence. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, congregation, and community of Father Okechukwu, who have suffered an immeasurable loss,” the statement read.

The Mission also urged authorities to take swift action to ensure justice is served.

“Our thoughts are with them during this time of profound grief. We call on the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice,” it added.

We had earlier reported that gunmen suspected to be bandits killed the Catholic priest and pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church, Tachira, in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, after abducting him from his residence.

Father Okechukwu’s killing has sparked outrage and renewed calls for enhanced security measures to protect religious leaders and communities from such attacks.

Authorities in Kaduna State have yet to release further details on the circumstances surrounding the incident or any arrests made in connection to the crime.

The state has witnessed numerous attacks on clerics in recent years, with criminal gangs and terrorists targeting religious leaders and their congregations for ransom and, in some cases, outright execution.

This is not the first time Fr. Okechukwu has been a victim of kidnapping. In December 2022, he was abducted from the rectory of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Fadan Kono, Kauru LGA of Kaduna State, and was released after three days in captivity.

His latest abduction and subsequent killing have sparked renewed outrage over the deteriorating security situation in the region. Religious and civil society groups have repeatedly called on the Nigerian government to take decisive action against the rampant attacks on religious leaders and innocent citizens.