Troops of Sector 7, Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), headquartered in Jos Plateau state have successfully arrested the killers of Sylvester Okechukwu, a reverend father who was murdered after being abducted in Tachira village, located in the Kaura Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.
The priest’s death sparked outrage among locals and religious communities, with calls for swift justice.
The suspects were apprehended on Tuesday following a well-coordinated raid on the hideout of the prime suspect in Ruga settlement, located within the Warsa-Piti village of Lere LGA.
The operation led to the capture of the primary suspect, 33-year-old Pate Yau, who allegedly masterminded the abduction and killing of Okechukwu.
In a statement by Samson Zakhom, a major and spokesperson of OPSH, made available to Journalists on Wednesday in Jos said Yau confessed to having been contracted by one Douglas Henry, a co-tenant who lived in the same house as the deceased priest. He added that the plan to kidnap Father Okechukwu was reportedly orchestrated by Henry, who then enlisted Yau to carry out the crime.
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“Following the arrest of Pate Yau, troops launched a follow-up operation that led to the capture of Douglas Henry at Agwan Sariki Tachira in Kaura LGA. The operation was part of a broader effort to dismantle criminal networks responsible for abductions and killings in the region. Both suspects are currently in custody and are undergoing further interrogation to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the murderâ€.
As the investigation continues, the OPSH have reiterated their commitment to tackling insecurity and ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors in the state.
Zakhom added that the arrest of the killers is a significant step forward in restoring peace and order to Kaduna State, particularly in the wake of rising cases of kidnapping and violent crimes.
