The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Kaduna state was engulfed in grief on March 14, 2025, as the faithful gathered at St. Peter Claver Cathedral for the funeral of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, who was brutally murdered. Amidst the sorrow, Bishop Julius Yakubu Kundi delivered a powerful message of faith, resilience, and unwavering love, urging Christians not to be deterred by acts of violence.

 

In his heartfelt homily, Bishop Kundi emphasized that the essence of Christianity is love, which must remain steadfast even in the face of persecution. “By the martyrdom of our son and priest, Fr. Sylvester, I enjoin you, let us reiterate our resolve as priests, pastors, and people of God to courageously carry the torch of the Gospel to the ends of the earth, notwithstanding the barrage of attacks and humiliation to our dignity and our Faith! Nothing will separate us from the Love of Jesus Christ, the Universal Lord of Lords!” he declared.

The Chief Shepherd acknowledged the deep pain that the Diocese feels at the tragic loss of Fr. Sylvester but encouraged the faithful to honor his life by remaining firm in their devotion to God. His message was not just a call to grief but a rallying cry for Christians to stand strong against intimidation and threats to their faith.

Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu was known for his dedication to the Church and his commitment to spreading the Gospel.

 

It will be recalled that the 44-year-old priest, serving as the parish priest of St. Mary Catholic Church in Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was abducted from his residence on the evening of March 4, 2025, and found murdered the following day.

 

His untimely death is a stark reminder of the increasing attacks on clergy members and religious leaders in Nigeria. This sentiment resonates with the broader Christian community, as leaders from the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA) have also voiced out their outrage and concern over the relentless attacks on clergymen in the area.

The Bishop also expressed profound sorrow over the increasing incidents of violence targeting clergy and faithful in the region. He lamented, "The horrifying abduction and gruesome murder of my son, Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, on March 5, 2025, is a cruel assault on our faith, our humanity, and the peace of our state."

 

The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan has repeatedly condemned these violent acts, calling on authorities to ensure justice and protection for religious communities.

As the congregation mourned, Bishop Kundi’s words served as a source of strength, reinforcing the belief that love, even in the face of adversity, remains the most powerful force in the Christian faith. “The Christian call to love has no boundaries,” he reminded them, urging all to continue upholding the principles of Christ, no matter the challenges ahead.

Bishop Julius Kundi declared that Fr. Sylvester’s legacy as a devoted priest will continue to inspire many, and his tragic passing stands as a sobering call for action against religious persecution. He called that the Diocese remains united in faith, standing firm in the belief that no act of violence can extinguish the light of God’s love in them.