Nigerian Army Apprehends Killers Of Reverend Father In Kaduna State.
The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of the individuals responsible for the brutal murder of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu. The priest was kidnapped from Tachira village in Kaura Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State before being killed, sparking widespread outrage in the region.
Troops from Sector 7 of Operation Safe Haven, a military task force aimed at restoring peace in troubled areas, carried out the operation. According to Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer for Operation Safe Haven, the arrests were made on 25 March 2025 following a targeted raid on the hideout of the prime suspect. The hideout was located in Ruga settlement, Warsa-Piti village, within Lere LGA of Kaduna State.
The prime suspect, identified as 33-year-old Pate Yau, reportedly confessed during initial questioning that he had been hired to abduct the priest. In a shocking twist, Yau implicated Douglas Henry, a man who resided in the same house as Reverend Father Okechukwu, as the mastermind behind the kidnapping plot. Acting swiftly on this information, troops conducted a follow-up operation and apprehended Henry at Agwan Sariki Tachira in Kaura LGA.
Both suspects are now in custody and undergoing further interrogation as authorities work to uncover the full details of the crime. The motive behind the kidnapping and subsequent murder remains under investigation, though the arrests have been hailed as a step forward in tackling the insecurity plaguing parts of Kaduna State.
The killing of Reverend Father Okechukwu had sent shockwaves through the local community, with many calling for justice. The Nigerian Army’s swift action has been met with cautious optimism, as residents hope it signals a renewed effort to curb violent crime in the region.
Major Zhakom assured the public that Operation Safe Haven remains committed to rooting out criminal elements and ensuring the safety of citizens. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
