posted 3rd April 2025
US Embassy Welcomes Nigerian Push for Justice in Father Sylvester Okechukwu Killing
Kaduna, Nigeria – The tragic killing of Father Sylvester Okechukwu, a Catholic priest in Kaduna State, has prompted a strong call for justice, with the United States Mission in Nigeria welcoming the Nigerian government’s expressed commitment to pursuing accountability. The priest was abducted from his residence at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area, on the night of 4 March 2025, only to be found dead the following day, Ash Wednesday.
In a statement released on 3 April 2025, the U.S. Embassy expressed its support for the Nigerian authorities’ interest in addressing this heinous crime, whilst stressing the vital importance of a transparent and robust judicial process. “We welcome the Nigerian government’s interest in pursuing justice and emphasise the critical role of the judicial system in ensuring due process and accountability,” the statement read. “We hope all legal proceedings will be transparent, bear out the facts, and lead to a fair and swift trial as to the innocence or guilt of the accused.”
Father Okechukwu’s death has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond, with many viewing it as part of a disturbing pattern of violence targeting clergy in Nigeria’s northern regions. Reports indicate that troops from Operation Safe Haven, a special military task force, arrested two suspects—identified as Pate Yau and Douglas Henry—on 26 March 2025, in connection with the kidnapping and murder. The arrests followed a raid on a hideout in the Warsa-Piti community, Lere Local Government Area, with one suspect allegedly confessing to orchestrating the crime due to financial desperation.
The U.S. Embassy underscored that upholding the rule of law is paramount not only to deliver justice for Father Okechukwu but also for all victims of such violence. “A fair and transparent legal process is essential to provide closure for the families and friends of those affected,” the statement continued, reflecting a broader hope that this case could set a precedent for tackling the rising insecurity in the region.
The killing has drawn widespread condemnation, with the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA) describing it as a “painful loss” and a sign of escalating threats to religious figures. The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, where Father Okechukwu served, has also voiced its outrage, with Bishop Julius Yakubu Kundi calling for decisive action from the authorities.
