By PJ Usanga
The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan has expressed outrage and sorrow over the gruesome murder of Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, who was kidnapped and brutally killed on March 5, 2025. In a statement issued by the Bishop of Kafanchan Diocese, Most Rev. Julius Yakubu Kundi, the Diocese condemned the relentless and tragic wave of kidnappings targeting priests, pastoral agents, and the faithful.
“With deep sorrow and righteous indignation, I condemn in the strongest terms the horrifying abduction and gruesome murder of my son, Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu,” Bishop Kundi said. “This cruel assault on our faith, our humanity, and the peace of our State is a source of great pain and anguish for the Diocese.”
The Bishop noted that the murder of Fr. Okechukwu is not an isolated tragedy, but rather part of a larger pattern of violence and intimidation targeting the Church and its members. He recalled the murder of Catechist Raymond Ya’u, Very Rev. Fr. Johnmark Cheitnum, Seminarian Naaman Stephen Ngofe, and Catechist Istifanus Katunku, among others.
“These atrocities deepen our sorrow and reinforce our demand for justice,” Bishop Kundi said. “We demand that the government and security agencies take immediate and decisive action to bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice. The blood of Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu and all other innocent souls cry out for justice!”
The Bishop also expressed concern about the growing threat to the security of priests and the faithful, and called for greater collaboration between the Church and security personnel to address these dangers. However, he noted that the Diocese can no longer remain silent in the face of such barbarity.
“We recognize the ever-increasing threat to the security of our priests and the faithful,” Bishop Kundi said. “We are open to any collaboration with security personnel and governmental authorities to address these growing dangers. However, we cannot remain silent as our people live in fear, uncertain of what the future holds.”
The Bishop called on all people of goodwill to remain calm and steadfast in prayer, and implored the authorities to ensure that justice takes its full course. He also prayed for eternal rest for Fr. Okechukwu and all those who have been taken from us unjustly, and for comfort to their families and loved ones.
“We stand firm in our faith, seeking peace even in our pain,” Bishop Kundi said. “We pray that God grants eternal rest to our dear brother, Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, and to all those who have been taken from us unjustly. May He grant comfort to their families, the Diocese, and all who grieve these losses.”
Leave feedback about this