Catholic Priest abducted by suspected gunmen killed
Catholic Priest abducted by suspected gunmen killed
The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan in Kaduna has confirmed the death of its priest, Rev. Fr Sylvester Okechukwu, just a day after he was kidnapped.
Okechukwu was the pastor of St Mary Catholic Church, Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A statement signed by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev.Fr. Jacob Shanet, said Okechukwu was killed in the early hours of Wednesday after being kidnapped from his residence on Tuesday night.
“After being taken by his abductors, we regret to inform you that Fr Sylvester was cruelly killed in the early hours of Wednesday, March 5.
“It is yet to be determined why he was killed,” he said.
Shanet described the deceased priest as a dedicated servant of God who worked selflessly in the vineyard of the Lord.
“This untimely and brutal loss has left us broken and devastated. He was always available and accessible to his parishioners.
“His untimely death has left an indelible void within our diocesan family, and we share in the pain of his passing with his family, friends and all those who loved him,” Shanet said.
He appealed to members of the Takad community to remain calm and steadfast in prayer as well as desist from taking the law into their hands.
According to him, funeral arrangements of the late priest will be communicated in due course. (NAN)
SP Joshua Ukandu, Spokesman of the command, communicated this in a statement on Wednesday in Abakaliki.
Ukandu said that Ovuta was arrested in Okoffia community, Ezza South Local Government Area of the state.
The spokesman said the command also recovered three stolen tricycles in another operation.
“During further interrogation, Ovuta confessed that the human skulls were given to him for the preparation of a spiritual concoction.
“The command is actively pursuing the individual mentioned in connection with this case.
“In a separate operation, while tracking a stolen tricycle, operatives of the command uncovered a criminal syndicate specialising in altering the colours of stolen tricycles from neighbouring states.
“This operation led to the arrest of four males, Nweke Chukwudi, Nwankwo Obinna, John Abba and Uche Abba.
“Three stolen tricycles were recovered from the suspects, who admitted to receiving the vehicles from accomplices for colour modifications.”
Ukandu said that the suspects would be charged to court upon the completion of investigations.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi.
“We urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity around them to the command through the control room number 07064515001,’’ he said.(NAN)
Crime
20-year-old Suspect allegedly hacks his Mother to death, arrested by Police
20-year-old Suspect allegedly hacks his Mother to death, arrested by Police
The Bauchi State Police Command has detained 20-year-old Safiyanu Dalhatu on suspicion of using a pestle to kill his 40-year-old mother, Salma Abdullahi.
The incident took place in Bauchi’s Abujan Kwata neighborhood on February 24, 2025.
Safiyanu is accused by the police of assaulting his mother, causing her to sustain fractures to both hands and other injuries.
The Peace and Security Committee reported the incident to the police, who were on the spot right away.
After being sent to Bauchi’s Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), the victim was pronounced dead.
According to preliminary findings, the assault was caused by a fight between Safiyanu and his mother. The police have started a comprehensive investigation and have retrieved the pestle used in the crime.
The State Criminal Investigation Department has been instructed to handle the matter by Commissioner of Police CP Auwal Musa Mohammed, and the suspect will face charges in court after the investigation is over.
Crime
Nigerian Army University Professor, others kidnapped by gunmen
Nigerian Army University Professor, others kidnapped by gunmen
On Sunday, suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists abducted Professor Abubakar Eljuma of the Nigeria Army University Biu (NAUB) and several other passengers traveling in commercial vehicles.
The abduction took place along the notorious Damaturu-Biu Road, near Kamuya village in Borno State, an area long plagued by violence. Professor Eljuma, who serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the university, was reportedly a prominent contender for the position of Vice-Chancellor at NAUB.
Kamuya village lies approximately 10 kilometers from Buratai, the hometown of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Yusuf Tukur Buratai (Rtd). This latest incident adds to the long history of abductions, bombings, and killings that have occurred along this stretch of road for over a decade.
“On 2/3/2025, suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists abducted unspecified number of travellers from 2 x Golf cars and a Borno Express bus along the same Damaturu-Biu road.
“Reports further indicated that all female passengers were freed except the males. It was also revealed that a potential candidate for the position of VC NAUB, Professor Abubakar Eljuma is among the victims.
“We are requesting for your prayers in this holy month of Ramadan for their quick release,” said a credible security source.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a staff member of NAUB, confirmed the incident, saying that, “the University Management is currently having crucial meeting over the abduction of the Professor.”