‘It’s brutal, senseless’, US Embassy reacts to killing of Kaduna priest

The United States of America Mission in Nigeria has condemned the killing of a catholic priest, Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu by some bandits in Kaduna.

The embassy in a statement posted on its X account described Okechukwu’s killing as brutal and senseless.

While condemning the horrific act, the mission extended its condolence to the family and friends of the late cleric.

It also called on relevant security agencies in the country to ensure that justice is served by arresting and prosecuting of the perpetrators of the crime.

It wrote on X, “The U.S. Mission is distressed by the brutal and senseless killing of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

“We strongly condemn this horrific act of violence.  We extend our deepest condolences to the family, congregation, and community of Father Okechukwu, who have suffered an immeasurable loss.  Our thoughts are with them during this time of profound grief.

“We call on the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the US Embassy said.

Okechukwu was kidnapped from his residence in Tachira area of Kaduna state on March 4.

However, without communication with to his family or the church which he was attached to, his abductors killed him and dumped his body, the diocese of Kafachan said.

According to the church, his body was found on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

“It is yet to be determined why he was killed,” the leadership of the diocese of Kafanchan said.