Troops nab two suspects over killing of Catholic priest

Troops of the special military task force, Operation Safe Haven, have arrested two suspected killers of Sylvester Okechukwu.

This was in a statement by Samson Zhakom, spokesperson for OPSH, on Wednesday in Jos.

Mr Okechukwu, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Kafachan, Kaduna, was abducted on March 4 at about 9:15 p.m.

Mr Okechukwu, who was abducted at his residence in Tachira, Kaura LGA, was later found dead on March 5.

Mr Zhakom said the suspects were arrested on Tuesday, following a raid conducted in a settlement at Warsa-Piti community of Lere LGA.

“The suspects were arrested following a raid on the prime suspect’s hideout located at a Ruga settlement in Warsa-Piti community, Lere LGA of Kaduna State.

“During preliminary investigation, the prime suspect, a 33-year-old man, confessed to have been contracted by another man, living in the same house with the slain priest to kidnap him.

“Troops in a follow-up operation arrested the suspect at Agwan Sarki, Tachira in Kaura LGA.

“The suspects are in custody undergoing further interrogation,” he said.

The spokesman added that investigations were ongoing to unravel the whereabouts of the remaining persons who participated in the heinous crime.

(NAN)