By PJ Usanga
In a significant breakthrough, the Nigerian Army has apprehended the killers of Late Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, of Kafanchan Diocese, who was murdered after being kidnapped in Tachira village, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State. According to Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer for Operation Safe Haven, the suspects were arrested on March 25, 2025, following a raid on the prime suspect’s hideout located at Ruga settlement in Warsa-Piti village, Lere LGA of Kaduna State.
During preliminary investigations, the prime suspect, Pate Yau, 33, confessed to having been contracted by one Douglas Henry, who lived in the same house as the slain priest, to kidnap him. In a follow-up operation, troops arrested Douglas Henry at Agwan Sariki Tachira in Kaura LGA of the state. The arrested suspects are currently in custody, undergoing further interrogation.
In a separate development, the Owerri Archdiocesan Catholic Secretariat has confirmed the release of Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, the kidnapped Parish Priest of the Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe. The Archdiocesan Chancellor/Secretary, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbara, announced that Fr. Ubaechu was released on March 26, 2025. Fr. Ubaechu was kidnapped on March 23, 2025, while on his way to Owerri for the annual retreat of priests of the Owerri Archdiocese.ย
As the Catholic Church in Nigeria grapples with a spate of kidnappings and violence against its clergy members, the recent developments are a welcome relief. However, the Church remains vigilant in its call for greater security and an end to violence against its clergy and other pastoral agents.
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