The Enemy Within: How Betrayal Led to the Murder of a Reverend Father in Kaduna

By Zagazola Makama

In times of crisis, the greatest threats are often believed to come from outside terrorists, kidnappers, or criminals lurking in the shadows. Yet, as the tragic murder of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu in Kaduna State reveals, sometimes the most dangerous enemy is the one within.

Father Okechukwu was not just a clergyman; he was a man who dedicated his life to service and faith. But even within the sanctity of his home, danger lurked. The person who orchestrated his abduction and eventual murder was not a faceless criminal from a distant land, but someone who shared his living space.

Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN made a major breakthrough on March 25, 2025, when they arrested the killers of Father Okechukwu. Acting on intelligence, security forces raided the hideout of the prime suspect, 33-year-old Pate Yau, at a Ruga settlement in Warsa-Piti village, Lere Local Government Area (LGA). Under questioning, Yau confessed that he had been contracted to carry out the abduction by none other than Douglas Henry a man who lived under the same roof as the slain priest.

The revelation was as chilling as it was tragic. Douglas Henry, a man trusted enough to share a home with the priest, had allegedly masterminded the crime. Acting swiftly, troops proceeded to Agwan Sariki Tachira in Kaura LGA, where Henry was arrested. Both suspects are now in custody, undergoing further interrogation.

The brutal murder of Father Okechukwu forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth: sometimes, the greatest threats do not come from strangers but from those closest to us. The concept of the enemy within is not new, but it is one that continues to haunt societies worldwide. Whether it is betrayal within families, workplaces, or communities, the pain of being harmed by someone trusted cuts deeper than any wound inflicted by an outsider.

In this case, Father Okechukwu’s killers were not unknown bandits roaming the forests; they were people who knew his routines, his vulnerabilities, and, tragically, his kindness. It is a chilling reminder that while we often look outward for danger, we must also be vigilant about those within our circles.

The arrest of the suspects is a victory for security forces, but it also serves as a cautionary tale. Nigerians, particularly those in positions of service and leadership, must exercise caution in their interactions and associations. The rising cases of kidnappings and assassinations orchestrated by trusted associates are a stark warning loyalty is not always guaranteed, and familiarity does not always mean safety.

This case also point to the need for improved intelligence gathering and communal vigilance. Security forces can only do so much; communities must play their part by reporting suspicious activities and individuals. Trust is essential in any society, but blind trust can be dangerous.

The enemy within is often the hardest to detect, but it is also the most dangerous. As Nigeria grapples with insecurity, it is crucial that people remain vigilant not just against external threats, but also against those who might be hiding in plain sight.

The Enemy Within: How Betrayal Led to the Murder of a Reverend Father in Kaduna

TROOPS OF OPERATION SAFE HAVEN ARREST KILLERS OF REVEREND FATHER IN KADUNA

By: Samson Nantip

Troops of Sector 7 Operation SAFE HAVEN have arrested killers of a Reverend Father, Sylvester Okechukwu murdered after he was kidnapped in Tachira village in Kaura local government area (LGA) of Kaduna State.

The suspects were arrested on 25 March 2025 following a raid on the prime suspect’s hideout located at Ruga settlement in Warsa-Piti village in Lere LGA of Kaduna State. During preliminary investigation, the prime suspect, Pate Yau 33 year-old confessed to have been contracted by one Douglas Henry living in the same house with the slain priest to kidnap him.

Troops in a follow-up operation arrested Douglas Henry at Agwan Sariki Tachira in Kaura LGA of the State. The arrested suspects are in custody undergoing further interrogation.

TROOPS OF OPERATION SAFE HAVEN ARREST KILLERS OF REVEREND FATHER IN KADUNA

Tuggar Pleads to Airbus to Set Up Maintenance Hubs in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs visited the Airbus Operations Facility in Getafe, Madrid, Spain, as part of his official tour. The Getafe facility, the largest industrial site in Spain, plays a key role in Airbus’ global operations.

During the visit, the minister held discussions with key Airbus executives, including Juan Sell, Head of Public Affairs, Spain, Luis Hernanperez Fernandez, VP, Head of Sales, Africa, Candelas Segovia Rodriguez, International Government Affairs Manager, Cristina Garvia Aliste, Representative for Corporate Analysis, Defence EU Matters, and Sales Support, Public Affairs, Spain

The talk centered on Airbus’ interest in investing in Nigeria’s aviation and defense sectors. The minister welcomed these discussions and emphasized the importance of collaboration beyond trade, advocating for localized investments and workforce development to boost employment in Nigeria.

Airbus representatives highlighted their aircraft offerings for Nigeria’s transport, humanitarian, and defense needs. Specifically, they promoted the C295, a multi-purpose aircraft adaptable for various missions.

The minister urged Airbus to move beyond aircraft sales and consider establishing a maintenance hub in Nigeria, citing the country’s status as a regional security hub for peacekeeping operations in Africa. He emphasized the potential for Airbus to train and empower local youth, with long-term possibilities of aircraft assembly and even manufacturing in Nigeria.

The visit concluded with a guided tour of Airbus’ maintenance facilities, providing insight into the company’s operational capabilities.

Tuggar Pleads to Airbus to Set Up Maintenance Hubs in Nigeria