x

Abducted Catholic Priest found dead in Kaduna, CAN reacts

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, has described the gruesome murder of Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum by terrorists as a dangerous terrain for Christian leaders.

Recall that Fr. John Mark was abducted from the rectory of Christ the King Parish YadinGaru, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was brutally killed by his abductors on the same day of his abduction, Friday, 15 July, 2022.

Rev. John Joseph Hayab, CAN state chairman in Kaduna expressed sadness while reacting to the killing of one of the priests, Very Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum, who until his death, was the CAN Chairman of Jema’a Local Government Area of the state, as well as coordinator of CAN in Southern Kaduna.

According to Rev. Hayab, “Kaduna State is a dangerous place to travel through and not safe, particularly for Christian leaders.”

Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, in a statement issued by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, confirmed the murder of Very Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum.

The statement announced that Rev. Fr. Donatus Cleophas, who was also kidnapped by the terrorists, escaped from their abductors.

The statement explained, “Sequel to the announcement of the two kidnapped priests from our diocese, we wish to announce that Rev. Fr. Donatus Cleophas escaped from his abductors and has reunited with us.”

It added, “However, it is with a deep sense of sorrow and pains that the bishop, clergy, religious and laity of the Diocese of Kafanchan announced the gruesome murder of Very Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum.”

According to the statement titled, “Re: Kidnapped priests of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan”, the statement further explained that his corpse was later discovered decomposing on Tuesday, July 15, 2022.

It explained that until his demise, he was the CAN Chairman, Jama’a LGA as well as the Coordinating Chairman of CAN, Southern Kaduna, stressing that Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum was the Dean of Kwoi Deanery, Director of Communications in the Diocese of Kafanchan and the Pastor of St. James Parish Fori, Jama’a local government area of Kaduna State.

The Diocese has, however, declared a two-day mourning for peaceful repose of his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

Hot this week

FG, Senate Leaders Head to Washington to Avert U.S. Sanctions Over Alleged Christian Genocide

 Top officials from the Federal Government and the National...

Wike Seeks Politics of Transformational Governance in Africa

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuThe Minister of the Federal Capital...

Gov. Ododo Launches Rural Electrification Project for 30 Kogi Communities

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaKogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman...

Taiwan elects new pro-Mainland China leader of KMT party

By Daybreak NigeriaNewly elected opposition Kuomintang (KMT)...

Truck Crushes Female Federal University Lokoja Lecturer to Death in Lokoja

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaA female lecturer at the Federal...

Hazras Charity Foundation Concludes Educational Kits Distribution in Kano, Expands to Jigawa State

By Jabiru HassanThe Hazras Charity Foundation, a delivery partner...

Kaduna Women Journalists Urge Government Action on Poor Power Supply, Commend State’s Climate Efforts

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThe Nigeria Association of Women Journalists...

Gov. Ododo Hails Appointment of Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu as New Chief of Army Staff

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaKogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman...

NDDC Commissions Naval Facility in Bayelsa to Boost Security in Niger Delta

By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, YenagoaThe Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)...

KOSIEC Releases Timetable for 2026 Kogi Local Government Elections

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaThe Kogi State Independent...

Terrorist Invade Southern Kaduna Community, Abduct 10 Residents in Kauru LGA

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaTerrorists have again attacked Southern Kaduna,...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img