Lenten Campaign 2025
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The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan, Nigeria, is mourning the tragic murder of Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, who was abducted from his residence on the night of March 4, 2025, and later found dead in the early hours of Ash Wednesday, March 5.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Fr. Jacob Shanet, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, in a statement published by Vatican News.
A life of service cut short
Fr. Okechukwu was serving at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tachira in Kaduna State. Ordained just over four years ago and having just celebrated his ordination anniversary, on February 11, 2021, he was known for his deep commitment to pastoral care, making himself readily available to his parishioners.
“It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the tragic death of our beloved priest,” Fr. Shanet stated. “The 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.”
His murder, coming on a day so central to the Christian call to repentance and renewal, adds an even greater sense of sorrow. The Kaduna State Police Command has launched an investigation, though the motive for the killing remains unknown.
A rising tide of violence against clergy
The murder of Fr. Okechukwu is the latest in a wave of violent attacks against Catholic clergy in Nigeria. Just a day before his abduction, on March 3, 2025, gunmen attacked St. Peter’s Parish in Iviukhua-Agenebode, Edo State, within the Diocese of Auchi.
During this nighttime assault, the attackers broke into the rectory and the church, firing gunshots and destroying doors and windows. They abducted Fr. Philip Ekweli and a major seminarian after an armed confrontation with local vigilantes, who were unable to stop the well-armed assailants.
In recent years, Nigeria has seen a disturbing increase in kidnappings of Catholic priests and religious figures, often by criminal groups seeking ransom. In some cases, these attacks are linked to ongoing religious and ethnic tensions. Church leaders continue to call on the government to improve security measures and ensure the safety of communities and clergy who serve in dangerous regions.
A call to prayer and justice
The murder of a priest on Ash Wednesday, a day that calls Christians to conversion and hope, is a painful reminder of the dangers facing those who dedicate their lives to serving the Gospel. As the Catholic community grieves, bishops and religious leaders are urging the faithful to pray for Fr. Okechukwu’s soul, for the safe release of those still in captivity, and for an end to the violence plaguing the region.
In the face of such tragedy, the Church in Nigeria remains steadfast in its mission, continuing to spread the message of Christ even in times of persecution.
