Nigeria, March 6 -- The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan in Kaduna has confirmed the killing of a priest, Sylvester Okechukwu, a day after he was kidnapped.

Mr Okechukwu, a reverend father, was the pastor of St Mary Catholic Church, Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, until his murder on Wednesday.

The church, in a statement signed by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Jacob Shanet, said Mr Okechukwu was killed in the early hours of Wednesday after being kidnapped from his residence on Tuesday night.

"After being taken by his abductors, we regret to inform you that Fr Sylvester was cruelly killed in the early hours of Wednesday, March 5.

"It is yet to be determined why he was killed.

"This untimely and brutal loss has left...