The abduction and murder of Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu has shaken the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan and the community of Tachira in Kaduna State, Nigeria. A key suspect, now in custody at the headquarters of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in Jos, has confessed to orchestrating the crime, citing financial desperation as his primary motive. The suspect, whose name is being withheld, stated that he needed N200,000 to resolve a personal financial problem.

Fr. Okechukwu was kidnapped on March 4 at approximately 9:15 p.m. from his residence in Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area. Tragically, his body was discovered the following day, March 5, leaving the community in mourning and prompting a swift investigation by security operatives.

Suspect’s Confession

According to his confession, the suspect admitted to inviting criminals from outside the community to carry out the abduction. However, he denied instructing them to kill the priest. "Fr. Okechukwu was living in our house at Tachira. I masterminded his kidnap because I needed money. I invited some guys from other places to assist me, but I didn’t ask them to kill him. I don’t know why they did," he told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Another suspect, also in custody, corroborated the story, confirming his recruitment for the crime but claiming he did not participate in the killing. "At first, I refused to be part of the plan, but the chief suspect insisted. He and I grew up in the same community. On the day of the incident, I left my place in Warsa-Piti in Lere Local Government and joined the operation. He also contacted other individuals from Bokkos in Plateau who brought weapons. After we took the priest and walked some distance, we left him with them. We don’t know why they killed him," he said.

Security Response and Ongoing Investigation

Following the abduction and murder, security operatives conducted a raid in a settlement in Warsa-Piti, Lere Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of the two suspects. Authorities are actively searching for the remaining individuals involved in the crime. An OPSH official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that detectives are working diligently to apprehend the other accomplices who are still at large, ensuring that all those responsible are brought to justice.

Community Reaction and Call for Security

The killing of Fr. Okechukwu has ignited outrage and deep mourning within the Tachira community, where he was highly respected. Residents have expressed their shock and dismay over the involvement of someone from within their locality in such a heinous crime. Security agencies have reassured the public that every effort is being made to bring all those responsible to justice.

Meanwhile, members of Kauru communities in Southern Kaduna have voiced their anguish over the persistent activities of terrorists who abduct and kill their members, even after ransoms are paid. The Kauru Local Council Community Development Associations (CDAs) have made a fervent appeal to the government to bolster security measures to protect them from these relentless attacks.

Duniya Achi, spokesperson for the associations, issued a statement expressing deep sadness and outrage over the recent attack on the Surubu community in Kumana chiefdom, where three innocent lives were brutally taken by abductors despite the payment of ransom. "We condemn it in the strongest terms," Achi stated. "The Kauru CDAs Forum commiserates with the families of the victims and the entire Surubu community, who have been left to mourn the loss of their loved ones. We share in their grief and pain, and we stand in solidarity with them in this difficult time."

The CDAs acknowledged the government's efforts in establishing the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in their Local Council, recognizing the progress made in addressing the security challenges. However, they emphasized that more decisive action is needed to safeguard the lives and property of their people.

"The recent attack on the Surubu community is a clear indication that the security situation in our area remains precarious, and we cannot afford to be complacent," Achi added. "We, therefore, call on the government and security agencies to take more proactive measures to prevent such attacks in the future. This includes increasing the presence of security personnel in our communities, providing them with the necessary resources and equipment, and working closely with local vigilantes and community leaders to gather intelligence and track down perpetrators."

The group also urged the government to address the root causes of insecurity in the entire Kauru Local Council, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to basic amenities. By providing economic opportunities, improving infrastructure, and delivering essential services, they believe the appeal of criminality can be reduced, creating a more secure and prosperous environment for all.

The CDAs appealed to community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities, emphasizing the need for collective effort in preventing crime and protecting their communities. They reiterated their commitment to working with the government and other stakeholders to promote peace, security, and development in Kauru Local Council, advocating for the rights and interests of their communities and pushing for effective solutions to the security challenges they face.

"We demand justice for the victims of the Surubu attack and their families, and we call on the government to take concrete steps to prevent such tragedies from occurring again in the future," they declared, underscoring the urgent need for sustained action and comprehensive strategies to restore safety and security to the region.