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

Kogi Govt to Enforce Ban on Trailer Parks Over Security Concerns

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja The Kogi State Government has announced...

MMS Local Funding Lifting Pregnant Women, Adolescents Out of Anaemia – CS-SUNN

In this piece, our Assistant Editor, Joyce Remi-Babayeju writes...

My China Story: A Journey Through Beijing, Wuxi, and Qingdao

By Michael Onjewu, Abuja When I boarded my flight to...

Kaduna: Psychiatric Hospital allegedly disregard court order to reinstate sacked staff

By Achadu Gabriel, kaduna A staff of Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital,...

CSOs To Tinubu: Hold DAPPMAN, Labour Unions Responsible For Breakdown Of Law, Order

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON),...

Security: Wike Lights Up Abuja Districts, Flags – Off integrated Solar Lighting Project

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, on...

Gov Sule Flags Off Bursary Disbursement, Reiterates Commitment to Education

By Abel Leonard, Lafia Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State...

North-Central APC Forum Urges Tinubu, NASS to Reject Calls for State Police

By Israel Adamu, Jos The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC)...

Africa’s infrastructure deficit takes spotlight at pre-G20 event

..Two-day side event in Johannesburg seeks to mobilize global...

Bandits Kill Businessman in Kogi, Kidnap Bus Passengers in Yagba

Ny Noah Ocheni, Lokoja Suspected bandits have killed a prominent...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img