Troops Take Down Suspected Killers Of Abducted Priest In Kaduna

Breaking Down the Arrests: Suspects Behind Priest’s Murder Nabbed

Listen up, folks. The troops from Sector 7 of the Special Task Force, codenamed Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), have just made a major move. They’ve arrested the individuals suspected of kidnapping and killing Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, a beloved Catholic priest. This happened in Tachira Village, located in the Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State. It’s a significant development in a case that has shocked the nation and deeply saddened the Catholic community.

Now, here’s the inside scoop. According to a statement from the OPSH Media Officer, Major Samson Zhakom, these arrests didn’t come out of nowhere. The troops executed a strategic raid on Tuesday. Their target? The hideout of the prime suspect in Ruga settlement, nestled in Warsa-Piti Village, Lere Local Government Area, Kaduna State. It was a meticulously planned operation that paid off in a big way.

The Confession: Unveiling the Mastermind

Let me break this down for you. During the intense interrogation that followed the arrest, the primary suspect, a 33-year-old named Pate Yau, opened up. He admitted that he had been hired by none other than Douglas Henry, a resident of the same house where Father Okechukwu lived. Yau confessed that his role was to kidnap the priest, a crime that tragically ended in murder. This revelation sheds light on the chilling details of the case and points to a larger conspiracy at play.

Read also:

Andrew Niccols Net Worth In 2024 A Look Into His Film Success And Financial Insights

Further Crackdown: Bringing in the Other Suspect

The operation didn’t stop there. The troops, fueled by determination, carried out a follow-up mission. They apprehended Douglas Henry at Agwan Sariki Tachira in Kaura LGA. Both suspects are now in custody, and the investigation continues. The authorities are leaving no stone unturned, digging deeper to uncover the full scope of this heinous act and bring all those involved to justice.

Now, let’s not forget the victim in all of this. Father Okechukwu, the parish priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tachira, was abducted on March 4, 2025, around 9:40 pm, right from his residence. The next day, March 5, which happened to be Ash Wednesday, his lifeless body was discovered. This tragedy has left a deep scar on the community and serves as a stark reminder of the challenges we face in ensuring safety and security for all.