When rampaging terrorists stormed the residence of Father Sylvester Okechukwu, the parish priest of St. Mary Catholic Church in Tachira, Kaura LGA of Kaduna State, on March 4 and abducted him, the parishioners thought, perhaps, a demand for ransom would follow.
So, they started making plans for payment. It did not happen. Phone calls for ransom did not come. The terrorists simply slaughtered Father Okechukwu in the early hours of March 5 and dumped his body on the road out of Tachira.
The parishioners were left heartbroken and devastated. Why did the terrorists kill Father Okechukwu? That is the big question, and the parishioners are still struggling to provide an answer. If the bastards wanted ransom, they were ready to pay. Unfortunately, that demand did not come. Like in many similar cases in this country, Father Okechukwu’s killers may never be found and brought to justice. So sad!
Life without Father Okechukwu at St. Mary Catholic Church, Tachira, will be tough. He was a devoted servant of God who worked altruistically, spreading the message of peace, love, and hope. The Reverend Father, just 45, gave his life in service of God and humanity.
The Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, aptly notes: “Father Okechukwu 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 knew and loved him. Let us come together as one family for the repose of his soul.”
The murder of Father Okechukwu by terrorists came while I was still struggling to recover from the death of innocent Zarah Abubakar Shehu. Zarah, who was a 21-year-old student of the Federal University of Gusau, Zamfara State, was murdered in one of the dungeons of terrorists in Zamfara State after she was abducted alongside her two siblings. Zarah was taken from her home in the Damba area of Gusau in the early hours of November 3, 2024. The terrorists initially demanded N35 million for their release, but after discussions, they agreed to accept N10 million from her family.
However, after receiving the ransom, the abductors refused to release Zarah and her two siblings. They further asked for four motorcycles and four cartons of engine oil before freeing them. The things were finally assembled after months of efforts. When the terror leader was contacted on March 1 for delivery, he disclosed that Zarah had died and been buried two days earlier. What a country! The deceased was the only daughter of her mother. As is typical in Nigeria, her killers may never be brought to justice.
Last Sunday, terrorists visited one of the private hostels (Paris Quarters, located behind the university) serving students of the Federal University, Dutsinma, in Katsina State, and abducted four undergraduates. The terrorists stormed the hostel in large numbers and took away the students unhindered. As of press time, affected parents were struggling to meet the demands of the terrorists. Security agents have so far failed to rescue the hapless students.
There is also the case of killer herders who murdered six people in three communities (Tse Ugema Chul, Mbakesa, and Ugbaam) in Ukum LGA of Benue State on March 1. Young men in the villages, who in recent times had constantly lamented about cattle straying into their farmlands and destroying yams, embarked on self-defense. But the herders overpowered the youths, killing six of them.
There is hardly any part of Nigeria spared by rampaging terrorists. On March 4, terrorists abducted the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, Obasi Lawson, in Azumini, Abia State. They killed his driver, Anayo Ukwu, and his Special Assistant, Mazi Confidence Chijioke.
These abductions and killings are further reminders of the level this country has degenerated in terms of insecurity. The usual hopeless story from security agencies is that they are “working to rescue victims unhurt.” This hardly materialises.
So sad to note that President Bola Tinubu has not delivered on his promise to secure Nigeria and end terrorism. This is the truth that must be told. Those saying security has improved under Tinubu are being economical with the truth. Terrorists are very much alive and kicking, killing, maiming, and abducting innocent Nigerians. Attacks still come in droves. Many are not reported. Scores of attacks are carried out daily without consequences.
I’m challenging President Tinubu to force security chiefs to raise their games. Mr. President must actualize his promise to tackle insecurity. Tinubu, on assumption of office, said security shall top the priority of his administration “because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence.” Honestly, I have not seen any progress in this direction in Tinubu’s 22 months as president. Mr. President has to provide leadership that will speedily end the slaughtering of innocent Nigerians across Nigeria.
