By Patrick Idowu
Troops of Operation Safe Haven have arrested two suspects linked to the gruesome killing of Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Kaduna State.
The suspects were apprehended during a military raid at a settlement in Warsa Piti community, Lere Local Government Area.
Fr. Okechukwu was abducted from his residence in Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area on March 4 at about 9:15 p.m.
His lifeless body was discovered the following day, sending shockwaves through the Catholic community and beyond.
Maj. Samson Zhakom, Media Officer of Operation Safe Haven, confirmed the arrests in a statement released on Wednesday in Jos.
He revealed that during interrogation, the prime suspect, a 33-year-old man, confessed to being contracted by a resident of the same house as the slain priest to carry out the kidnapping.
The alleged mastermind was later arrested in Agwan Sarki, Tachira, during a follow-up operation.
Zhakom stated that both suspects are in custody and undergoing further interrogation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend others involved in the crime.
The murder of Fr. Okechukwu has drawn widespread condemnation, with calls for swift justice and greater security measures to protect clergy and communities across Kaduna State.
