Priest kidnapped and murdered in Nigeria

A total of five priests and two religious sisters have been kidnapped in Nigeria this year alone. Besides Fr Sylvester Okechukwu, who was murdered, two remain missing, while the other four have been released.

Fr Sylvester Okechukwu was taken from his residence on the evening of 4 March, according to a statement released by the diocese. He was found murdered in the early hours of 5 March, according to the same document. No reason has been given for his murder at the hands of his abductors.

“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. He was always available and accessible to his parishioners. His untimely death has left an indelible void within our diocesan family, and we share in the pain of his passing with his family, friends and all those who knew and loved him,” reads the statement sent by the diocese to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

The murder of Fr Sylvester comes at a time when another two Nigerian priests are still missing, having been abducted on 22 February in the Diocese of Yola.

This year alone, five priests and two religious sisters have been kidnapped in Nigeria. Besides Fr Sylvester, who was killed, Fathers Matthew David Dutsemi and Abraham Saummam are still missing. The remaining four were released alive.

In 2024, a total of 13 priests were kidnapped in Nigeria, all of whom were eventually released, and one was murdered, for a total of 14 incidents.

Insecurity is rife in Nigeria, with Christians facing discrimination and persecution in many parts of the country, especially in the north. Besides the interreligious tension, criminal gangs have taken to kidnapping citizens who are then held for ransom.

ACN joins the Catholic authorities of Nigeria in their call for prayers for the repose of Fr Sylvester, as well as in their appeal to the government to increase security and put an end to the climate of fear that reigns in many parts of the country.