Authorities have detained two suspects in connection with the abduction and killing of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, a Catholic priest who was kidnapped from his home in Tachira Village, Kaura Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
A statement from Major Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer for Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), confirmed that troops arrested 33-year-old Pate Yau at a Ruga settlement in Warsa-Piti Village, Lere LGA, following a raid on his hideout.
During interrogation, Yau allegedly admitted to being hired by Douglas Henry, a resident of the same house as the deceased priest, to execute the abduction. Troops later arrested Henry at Agwan Sariki Tachira in Kaura LGA.
Both suspects remain in custody as security operatives intensify investigations.
Father Okechukwu, who served at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tachira, was kidnapped on the night of March 4, 2025. His body was discovered the following day, coinciding with Ash Wednesday.