July 19, (THEWILL) – 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.
They were kidnapped shortly after they arrived 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 issued by Chancellor of the Kafanchan Catholic diocese. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo, said the corpse of Fr. Cheitnum was found on Tuesday, in a farm not far from where he was kidnapped.
The statement read: “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.
“However, it is with a deep sense of sorrow and pains that
the Bishop, Clergy, Religious and Laity of the Diocese of Kafanchan announce the gruesome murder of Very Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum.
“Fr. John Mark, who was abducted from the rectory of Christ the King Parish Yadin Garu, Lere LGA of Kaduna State, was brutally killed by his abductors on the same day of his abduction; Friday 15th July, 2022.
“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: 10am
“As we solicit for 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 peaceful repose of his soul and may his soul and the souls of the faithfuls departed rest in peace-Amen.”
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