Christian leaders in Southern Kaduna speak out against brutal killing of priest
On Friday, March 7, the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA) shared their deep sadness and anger over the kidnapping and tragic death of Father Sylvester Okechukwu, a Catholic priest from the Kafanchan Diocese.
Apostle Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, who is the Chairman of SKCLA, said in a statement: “This horrible act is not just a great loss for the Church but also a very worrying sign of the growing danger in our land.”
He explained that this terrible event is part of a bigger problem, where religious leaders in Southern Kaduna have been targeted for years. “We remember the kidnapping and brutal killing of Father John Mark Cheitnum in 2022, the murder of Pastor Musa Mairiga from ECWA Church, and the many cases of kidnapping and killings of Christian leaders in our communities.”
Kure asked, “Are these attacks on priests and pastors part of a planned effort to harm Christians?”
He then called on both the federal and state authorities to act quickly to stop the violence before it becomes a bigger problem. “We urge the security forces to step up and stop this violence. It’s not fair that those who spend their lives preaching peace and helping others are being attacked without anyone being held responsible,” he said.
The SKCLA Chairman also urged everyone in Southern Kaduna to stay alert, watch for suspicious activity, and quickly report anything that seems dangerous to the authorities. He said, “The safety of our communities depends on us working together and keeping a watchful eye on what’s happening around us.”
Kure concluded with a prayer for Father Okechukwu, saying, “As we remember Father Sylvester, we pray that his soul rests in peace, and we ask that justice be served. May God comfort his family, the Catholic Church, and everyone who is hurting from this senseless violence.”
