The United States Mission in Nigeria has strongly condemned the killing of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, a Catholic priest abducted and murdered by suspected bandits in Kaduna State.

Okechukwu, who served at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Tachiri, Kaura Local Government Area, was taken from his residence on Tuesday night. His body was discovered the following day, sparking outrage and calls for justice.

In a statement released two days after his death, the US Mission described the killing as “brutal and senseless” and urged Nigerian authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We strongly condemn this horrific act of violence,” the mission said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family, congregation, and community of Father Okechukwu, who have suffered an immeasurable loss.”

The killing of clergy members has become a recurring concern in parts of Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target religious leaders, community members, and security forces. The US Mission’s statement reflects growing international concern over insecurity in the region.

Bandits suspected to be kidnappers have again abducted a relative of the Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Hassan Kukuh and six other persons in Anchuna village, Ikulu Chiefdom of Zangon Kataf local government area of Kaduna State.

The attack according to a competent source occurred on Wednesday night and created apprehension as the bandits stormed the village in large numbers, shooting sporadically before making away with their victims who were taken to an unknown destination.

A resident of the area and family member of the Kukahs, Mr. Samuel Kukah confirmed the incident, saying that his younger brother, Ishaya Kukah, was among those abducted.

In his words;“My brother, Ishaya, was the only male among the abductees; the rest are women and children, the attackers launched their attack around 11pm,” he said.

He said there had not been any contact with the kidnappers or any form of ransom demanded for their release but stressed, “We are praying for their safe return while we playfully wait for their call,” he said.

He also called on security agencies to take proactive action to secure their safe return while emphasising that most of those abducted were vulnerable people.

Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Mansir Hassan could not be reached on his mobile phone as at the time of filing the report.

Meanwhile, the residents of the community have continued to call for intensified security measures to curb the menace in the area.

It would be recalled that Yohanna Kukah, a paramount ruler of Ikulu Kingdom and brother to Bishop Kukah was kidnapped on 2nd January 2018 at his residence in Anchuna village, Zangon Kataf local government area in Southern Kaduna and regained freedom after spending nine days with the kidnappers.

Dr Haruna Abubakar Shehu Emerges CMD Federal Medical Centre Kafanchan (white box)

Dr Haruna Abubakar Shehu, a Consultant Family Physician, has been appointed Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the newly established Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan, Kaduna State.

Shehu is part of the six people President Bola Tinubu appointed as new Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) for federal government-owned hospitals in Akure, Gombe, Azare, Lafia, Maiduguri, and Kafanchan.

A statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, disclosed the development.

The appointees included Prof. Olusegun Sylvester Ojo, appointed Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Akure, Ondo State. A seasoned medical professional, Prof. Ojo previously served as the pioneer Chief Medical Director of the Ondo State Specialist Hospital.

“Prof. Yusuf Mohammed Abdullahi has been reappointed as the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, following an outstanding performance during his first term. His reappointment underscores his exceptional leadership and contributions to the hospital’s growth.

“Dr. Dauda Abubakar Katagum, the Acting Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Azare, Bauchi State, has been confirmed as the substantive CMD.

“Dr. Ikrama Hassan has been appointed as the ChiefMedical Director of the newly upgraded Federal Teaching Hospital in Lafia, Nasarawa State. A consultant physician, Dr. Hassan previously served as the Medical Director of the Dalhatu Ibrahim Arab Specialist Hospital before its elevation to a teaching hospital.

“Dr. Ali Mohammed Ramat, a renowned Consultant Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon, has been appointed Chief Medical Director of the newly established National Orthopedic Hospital in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Dr Haruna Abubakar Shehu, a Consultant Family Physician, has been appointed Chief Medical Director of the newly established Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan, Kaduna State,” he stated.

He noted that all appointments were for four years, effective from the respective dates of assumption of office.

“Prof. Yusuf Mohammed Abdullahi’s second and final term as CMD of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, commenced on September 5, 2024,” he added .

Onanuga also said Dr Dauda Abubakar Katagum’s tenure as CMD of the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Azare, Bauchi State, took effect from December 6, 2024.

President Tinubu congratulate the newly appointed and reappointed Chief Medical Directors, urging them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and service delivery in their respective roles. He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring all Nigerians have access to quality medical services.

… 2 police inspector sons in Yobe

Bandits in the early hours of Wednesday killed Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu after abducting him from his home in Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Also, the suspected Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) has launched a deadly attack in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, killing Inspector Mallam Jibrin’s two children and setting their corpses and the house on fire.

The Chancellor of the Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, confirmed this development to newsmen in a statement on Wednesday.

Fr. Shanet explained that the late Sylvester Okechukwu was kidnapped from his residence on March 4, 2025.

“It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the tragic death of our beloved Priest, Rev Fr Sylvester Okechukwu (Born 11/12/1980 and ordained 11/02/2021), who was the Pastor of St Mary Catholic Church Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State”.

He disclosed that Fr Sylvester was kidnapped from his residence on the evening of 4th March 2025 at approximately 9:15 PM WAT.

“After being taken by his abductors, we regret to inform you that Fr Sylvester was cruelly killed in the early hours of today, the 5th of March 2025, Ash Wednesday. It is yet to be determined why he was dead.

“This 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.

“Let us come together as one family in prayer for the repose of his soul. We invite all priests, religious and the faithful, to offer Holy Masses, Rosaries and Prayers for the eternal repose of Fr Sylvester, who gave his life in service to God and humanity”.

He, therefore, appealed to the youth and members of the Takad community to remain calm and steadfast in prayer. No one should take the law into their hands, he said.

“The details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course. May we continue to hold one another in prayer and unity during this dark moment”.

A credible intelligence source confirmed that, the attack occurred in the early hours of Monday, around 1 am in the Shuwari Baban Layi area of the town.

One of the residents who doesn’t want his name to print described that ” Let me tell you that, when the assailants infiltrated the town and targeted the home of Inspector Jibril Mohammed of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) started shooting sporadically” he said.

Another security information confirmed that the suspects, SWAP/Boko Haram, set the house ablaze and killed two of the Officer’s children before escaping.

Leadership gathered that, upon receiving intelligence reports on the attack, troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, Sector 2 Operation HADIN KAI, swiftly mobilised to the scene.

However, the terrorists fled upon sighting advancing troops, abandoning their bicycles in the process.