A Catholic priest was kidnapped and murdered in Nigeria’s northern Kaduna state, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) announced Friday, underscoring ongoing insecurity in the region.
Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, a parish priest in Kaura, was abducted from his residence earlier this week before being killed by unknown assailants, CAN stated.
His death adds to the growing list of clergy members targeted by armed groups in Nigeria’s northwest.
Kaduna has become a focal point for violent attacks, with armed gangs frequently kidnapping villagers, schoolchildren, and travelers.
The latest killing highlights the unchecked lawlessness plaguing the region, where criminal groups operate with impunity.
“This heinous crime further underscores the alarming insecurity in our nation, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where innocent citizens, including clergy, are repeatedly abducted and killed,” CAN said in a statement.
The United States Embassy in Nigeria condemned the killing, calling it “a horrific act of violence” in a post on X.
The embassy urged Nigerian authorities to take swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Authorities have yet to release details on possible suspects or ongoing investigations, as insecurity continues to cast a shadow over the country’s northern regions.
