Terrorists kidnap Christian Association, CAN Chairman, one other Catholic priest in Kaduna

Gunmen suspected to be Islamic terrorists have again abducted two Catholic priests in the Lere local government area of Kaduna State.

The priests who were identified as John Cheitnum and Donatus Cleopas, were reported to have been abducted on Friday at Gure Parish.

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

The Chancellor of the Kafanchan Catholic Diocese, Rev Fr Emmanuel Okolo, confirmed their abduction.

SaharaReporters reports that Catholic priests in Kaduna State have been the target of Islamic terrorists in the last four years with some of them also killed in captivity.

It was reported few days ago that Rev. Fr Emmanuel Silas was abducted in Kauru LGA of Kaduna State.

However, Fr Okolo said the priests were kidnapped shortly after they arrived at the parish rectory of Christ the King Catholic Church in Yadin Garu, Lere LGA.

The statement on the fresh abduction read, “It is with great pain that we announce to you the kidnapping of two of our Priests; Rev. Frs. John Mark Cheitnum and Donatus Cleopas.

“The sad event of their abduction occurred around 5.45pm of July 15, 2022, shortly after the two priests who were on their way to a function at a different parish (Gure), arrived at the Parish Rectory of Christ the King Catholic Church, Yadin Garu, in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

“As we solicit an intense prayer for their quick and safe release, we equally wish to call on all and sundry to refrain from taking the laws into their hands. We will use every legitimate means to ensure their quick and safe release.

“May Jesus crucified on the Cross, listen to our prayers and hasten the unconditional release of His Priests and all other kidnapped persons.”