Terrorists have killed a Catholic priest who was kidnapped on Friday in Kaduna, Reverend Father John Cheitnum.
The deceased clergyman was kidnaped alongside a colleague, Donatus Cleopas.
They were on their way to a function at Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Reacting to the killing, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) through its Chairman, Rev. John Hayab, described Kaduna as a dangerous terrain for Christians and their leaders.
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His statement came following the discovery of the decomposing remains of to the slain priest.
He, however, said they were consoled that Rev. Fr. Donatus Cleophas, who was kidnapped with Rev. Fr. Cheitnum, escaped from his abductors.
In the same vein, the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan confirmed the murder of Rev.Fr. Cheitnum on Tuesday.
This was contained in a statement by the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okolo.
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 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.”
The statement added that his burial was slated for Thursday, July 21, 2022 at the Cathedral of St. Peter Kafanchan, Kaduna State, at 10am.
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