Audio By Carbonatix
A Catholic priest was kidnapped and killed in Nigeria's northern Kaduna state, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said on Friday, adding that the murder highlighted insecurity in a region where armed groups have continued to target civilians.
Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, a priest at a parish in Kaura, about 200 km from the Kaduna capital, was first abducted from his residence earlier this week before being killed by unknown abductors, CAN said in a statement.
Kaduna, in Nigeria's northwest region, has been a hotbed of attacks by armed groups who often target villagers, school children, and motorists.
"This heinous crime further highlights the alarming insecurity in our nation, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where innocent citizens, including clergy members, are repeatedly targeted, abducted, and killed with impunity," CAN said.
The United States Embassy in Nigeria in a post on X described the abduction and killing as "a horrific act of violence" and called on Nigerian authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
Latest Stories
-
ICE confirmed Ken Ofori-Atta was medically fit for detention – Victor Smith
2 hours -
‘He shut the door in our faces’ – Ghana’s envoy reacts to Ken Ofori-Atta decision
2 hours -
FBI involvement raises stakes in Ken Ofori-Atta detention – Ghana’s US Envoy
5 hours -
‘Miracle baby’ born in a tree above Mozambique floodwaters dies aged 25
5 hours -
After years of losses, BoG tightens controls and slashes fees in Gold Programme overhaul
6 hours -
Minnesota sues Trump administration to block surge of ICE agents
6 hours -
Trump to meet Venezuelan opposition leader Machado at the White House
6 hours -
Trump announces 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran
6 hours -
How BoG’s gold strategy quietly pulled in $17bn and held the economy together
6 hours -
Ghana Water targets the end of January 2026 to resolve Teshie water crises
7 hours -
All UG students who overpaid fees will be refunded – Deputy Education Minister
7 hours -
Majeed Ashimeru set for La Louvière loan switch from Anderlecht
8 hours -
NPP flagbearer race: Any coercion in primaries will be resisted – Bryan Acheampong campaign team
8 hours -
‘Infection spread’ feared: Teshie water crisis triggers healthcare emergency
8 hours -
AratheJay turns ‘Nimo Live’ into defining homecoming moment
9 hours