Kaduna: Catholic Community Mourns Priest Killed By Terrorists

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: The Catholic Diocese Kafanchan has declared a two-day mourning in honour of Very Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum, who killed was by terrorists after being abducted with one other priest.

The Diocese however announced the escape of one of the kidnapped priests Rev. Fr. Donatus Cleophas from their abductors.

While reacting to the death, Chairman of CAN Kaduna State, Reverend John Joseph Hayab described the state as a dangerous place for christian leaders to operate.

“Kaduna State is a dangerous place to travel around and not safe for Christian leaders,” a devastated Hayab who was short of words, said.

He however, said that they are consoled that Rev. Fr. Donatus Cleophas who was kidnapped with him,  escaped from his abductors.

Earlier, the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, in a statement signed by the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo, on Tuesday announced the murder of Very Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum. and subsequently, the escape of Rev. Fr. Donatus Cleophas from his abductors.

“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 sameday of his abduction; Friday 15th July, 2022,” the statement said. 

According to the statement titled, “RE: KIDNAPPED PRIESTS OF THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF KAFANCHAN,  his corpse was later discovered already decomposing on Tuesday 19th 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,” it said. 

The statement further said that his burial is slated for Thursday, July 21, 2022 at the Cathedral of St. Peter Kafanchan, Kaduna State by 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 faithful departed rest in peace- Amen,” the statement added.