The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA) has expressed outrage over the abduction and murder of Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, calling it a tragic reflection of rising insecurity in the region.
In a statement, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, chairman of SKCLA, described the killing as “inhumane” and extended condolences to Bishop Julius Yakubu Kundi, the Catholic clergy, and the faithful in Kafanchan.
The association decried the continued targeting of Christian leaders in Southern Kaduna, recalling the 2022 murder of Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum, the assassination of Pastor Musa Mairiga of ECWA Church, and other attacks on clergy.
“These repeated assaults on men of God raise serious concerns: Is this a deliberate and systematic attack on Christian leaders?” Kure asked.
SKCLA urged security agencies to take decisive action to curb the violence, warning that failure to do so could inflame religious tensions and jeopardize peace in the state.
The group also called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to authorities while demanding justice for Fr. Okechukwu’s killing.
“As we mourn, we pray for his soul’s eternal rest and urge the government to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” the statement concluded.
