Troops arrest mastermind of Catholic Priest’s abduction, murder in Kaduna

Security forces under Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have apprehended the prime suspect in the abduction and subsequent murder of Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, a Catholic priest attached to the Diocese of Kafanchan, Kaduna State.

Fr. Okechukwu was kidnapped on March 4 at his residence in Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area by a group of gunmen. A day later, on March 5, his lifeless body was discovered, sending shockwaves through the local community and religious institutions.

Parading the suspect before journalists on Thursday at OPSH Headquarters in Jos, Plateau State, the military authorities revealed that the man had confessed to orchestrating the abduction in a desperate bid to obtain N200,000 to address a personal financial problem.

“I masterminded the kidnapping of Fr. Okechukwu because I needed N200,000,” the suspect admitted. “I invited some guys from other places to help me with the mission, but I did not instruct them to kill him. I don’t know why they did that. I left the priest in their hands and was not present when they took further action.”

Another arrested suspect, whose identity is being withheld, corroborated the mastermind’s account, explaining that he was contacted to assist in carrying out the crime.

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“At first, I refused to participate, but he insisted. We grew up together in the same community,” the second suspect said.

“On the said date, I traveled from my place in Warsa-Piti in Lere Local Government Area to take part in the abduction. However, he had also brought in others from Bokkos in Plateau State, who were armed. After we seized the priest and moved him some distance, we left him with them. We don’t know why or how he was eventually killed.”

An official from OPSH confirmed that the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday during a security raid in Warsa-Piti, Lere Local Government Area.

“The troops conducted a well-coordinated operation leading to their arrest,” the security source disclosed. “Efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend other accomplices who are currently on the run.

The tragic killing of Fr. Okechukwu has sparked outrage across Kaduna and Plateau States, with religious and community leaders condemning the attack and calling for swift justice. Security agencies have assured the public that investigations are still underway to ensure all those involved are brought to book.