A Catholic priest, Reverend Father John Cheitnum, has been killed by terrorists in Kaduna State.
Fr. Chietnum was kidnaped alongside another priest, Donatus Cleopas, while they were on their way to a function in the Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State last week Friday.
Rev. Cheitnum was Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria for Jema’a Local Government Area of the state until his death.
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He also doubled as Southern Kaduna coordinator of CAN.
Fr. Chietnum’s death was confirmed in a statement by the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okolo on Tuesday evening.
The statement, which also announced the burial date of the deceased catholic priest, 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 YadinGaru, Lere L.G.A of Kaduna State, was brutally killed by his abductors on the same day of his abduction; Friday 15th July, 2022.
“Until his demise, he was the CAN Chairman, Jama’a LGA, as well as the Coordinating Chairman of CAN, Southern Kaduna.
“Fr. 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 LGA, Kaduna State.”
“As we solicit 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 faithful departed rest in peace – Amen,” it added.
