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By John Ogunsemore
The United States Mission in Nigeria has expressed support for the Nigerian government’s efforts to pursue justice in the case of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, a Catholic priest kidnapped and slain in Kaduna State.
This is contained in a statement shared on the mission’s verified X page on Thursday evening.
Okechukwu was abducted at his home in Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna on March 4, and his lifeless body was found the next day, March 5.
Last Thursday, a key suspect in Okechukwu’s abduction disclosed that he orchestrated the kidnapping because he needed ₦200,000 to solve a personal problem.
The suspect spoke at the headquarters of Operation Safe Haven in Jos, Plateau State, after his arrest by troops on Tuesday, March 25.
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The US Mission’s statement reads, “In light of the recent tragic killing of Father Sylvester Okechukwu in Kaduna, we welcome the Nigerian government’s interest in pursuing justice and emphasise the critical role of the judicial system in ensuring due process and accountability.
“We hope all legal proceedings will be transparent, bear out the facts, and lead to a fair and swift trial as to the innocence or guilt of the accused.
“Upholding the rule of law is essential to deliver justice for all victims of such violence, including this case, and provide closure for their families and friends.
“In light of the recent tragic killing of Father Sylvester Okechukwu in Kaduna, we welcome the Nigerian government’s interest in pursuing justice and emphasize the critical role of the judicial system in ensuring due process and accountability.
“We hope all legal proceedings will be transparent, bear out the facts, and lead to a fair and swift trial as to the innocence or guilt of the accused. Upholding the rule of law is essential to deliver justice for all victims of such violence, including this case, and provide closure for their families and friends.”
