Another Catholic Priest Murdered in Nigeria – The Persecution Continues

Restoring Nigeria’s CPC designation is an urgent necessity to counter escalating religious persecution, hold its government accountable, and prevent further extremist violence against Christians

Father Sylvester Okechukwu; Photo credit: Facebook/Sandra Atung

The murder of Father Sylvester Okechukwu in the Diocese of Kafanchan, Nigeria is yet another tragic reminder of the growing crisis facing Christians in the region. According to various accounts, including Vatican sources, Father Sylvester was kidnapped from his residence on March 4 and found dead the next day. His murder is part of a disturbing trend: this year alone, five priests and two religious sisters have been kidnapped in Nigeria. While some were released, two priests remain missing, their fate uncertain.

This escalating violence against religious leaders is not an anomaly—it is part of a broader, systemic attack on Christians in Nigeria. Faith leaders, parishioners, and entire Christian communities are being targeted, with homes burned, churches desecrated, and families torn apart.

Nigeria has become one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a Christian, with religious leaders frequently hunted down by criminal gangs and Islamist extremists. The situation is not just a matter of random violence—it is a deliberate campaign of religious persecution combined with a general breakdown of security.

In 2024, at least 13 priests were kidnapped, and one was murdered. The Nigerian government’s response has been insufficient, if not outright complicit in some instances, in failing to curb these attacks. Some would argue that Nigeria's flaccid approach to combating religious extremism is partly to blame for what increasingly resembles a slow-motion genocide of Christians. I agree. The government’s failure to act not only places religious leaders in jeopardy but also sends a dangerous signal to extremist groups that they can operate with impunity.

While some Western media outlets ignore or downplay these incidents, the reality is clear: Christians in Nigeria are under siege. The Church has called for increased government intervention, but the Nigerian authorities have struggled, and in some cases refused, to maintain control in many regions, especially in the north, where radical Islamist militants and bandit groups operate with impunity. Nigerian officials' lack of meaningful action raises serious concerns about their commitment to religious freedom and human rights.

Nigeria’s Escalating Security Crisis

Recent data confirms the worsening security situation in Nigeria. According to the latest Global Terrorism Index report, Nigeria has now climbed to sixth place globally in terrorism impact, marking a sharp deterioration in security conditions. In 2024 alone, over 500 people were killed in terrorist attacks, with Boko Haram, IS-Sahel, and other radical Islamist factions expanding their operations across the country.