… 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.
