One of the Catholic Priests, who were abducted in Kaduna State on Friday, Rev Fr John Mark Cheitnum, has been killed by his abductors.
Rev fr Cheitnum, who was the Director of Social Communication, Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, was kidnapped on Friday, July 15, 2022, along with Rev Fr Donatus Cleopas as shared by 9News Nigeria
They were kidnapped shortly after they arrived at the parish rectory of Christ the King Catholic Church, Yadin Garu, in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A statement on their kidnap had said the two priests, who were on their way to a function at a different parish, were abducted shortly after they arrived at the Christ the King Catholic Church.
While Fr. Cleopas escaped from his abductors, a statement was issued by the Chancellor of the Kafanchan Catholic diocese. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo, said the corpse of Fr. Cheitnum was found on Tuesday, on a farm not far from where he was kidnapped.
“His corpse was later discovered already decomposing on Tuesday, 19 July 2022.
“Until his demise, he was the CAN Chairman, Jama’a LGA, as well as the Coordinating Chairman of CAN, Southern Kaduna.
“Fr. was the Dean of Kwoi Deanery, Director of Communications in the Diocese of Kafanchan, and the Pastor of St. James Parish Fori, Jama’a LGA, Kaduna State.
“Burial is slated for Thursday, 21st July 2022 at the Cathedral of St. Peter Kafanchan, Kaduna State. Time: 10 am
“As we solicit prayers for the repose of our dear brother, Priest, and God’s consolation on his immediate family, we wish to humbly call on all and sundry to refrain from taking the laws into their hands.
“The Diocese has declared a two-day mourning for the peaceful repose of his soul and may his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace-Amen.”
