Two Catholic priests abducted

Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Kaduna State has announced the abduction of Fr. John Cheitnum and Fr. Donatus Cleopas.

Fr Chietnum is the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The incident happened nearly two weeks after another priest was taken from his parish in the same state.

Fr John Mark Cheitnum and Fr Donatus Cleopas were abducted as they arrived for a parish function at Christ the King Catholic Church, Yadin Garu, the diocese said.

It was not clear who was behind the abduction.

In a statement, the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okolo, said that the two priests were kidnapped on Friday at the rectory of Christ the King Catholic Church, Yadin Garu, in Lere Local Government Area.

“It is with great pain that we announce to you the kidnapping of two of our priests: Rev. Frs. John Cheitnum and Donatus Cleopas.

“The sad event occurred around 5:45 p.m. on July 15, 2022.

“It happened shortly after the two priests, who were on their way to a function at a different parish, arrived at the parish rectory of Christ the King Catholic Church, Yadin Garu in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State,” the Chancellor said.

Okolo solicited prayers for quick release of the two priests, while cautioning residents against taking laws into their hands. “May Jesus crucified on the Cross listen to our prayers and hasten the unconditional release of His priests and all other kidnapped persons”.

He said that the church would use every legitimate means to secure the safe release of the priests.

(NAN News; Picture Courtesy: Archdiocese of Kaduna)