US Mission decries killing of Kaduna Catholic cleric

Abdullateef Fowewe

The United States Mission in Nigeria has decried the killing of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu in Kaduna State.

Okechukwu, whose  lifeless body was discovered in the early hours of Wednesday, was a Catholic priest serving at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Tachiri, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

In a terse statement on Friday, the Mission expressed its displeasure of the brutal killing of the priest.

The statement reads, “The U.S. Mission is distressed by the brutal and senseless killing of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

“We strongly condemn this horrific act of violence. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, congregation, and community of Father Okechukwu, who have suffered an immeasurable loss.

“Our thoughts are with them during this time of profound grief.  We call on the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.”