Bandits Abduct Two Catholic Priests In Kaduna

Gunmen suspected as bandits have abducted two Catholic priests identified as John Cheitnum and Donatus Cleopas in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

Catholic Priests Abducted

A statement issued on Friday night by Emmanuel Okolo, chancellor of the Kafanchan Catholic diocese, said the priests were abducted on Friday at Gure parish, Lere LGA.

The priests were said to have been kidnapped shortly after they arrived at the parısh rectory of Christ the King Catholic Church in Yadin Garu, Lere LGA.

The statement reads, “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 5.45 pm 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 parısh 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.”

This comes a week after another two Catholic priests, Rev. Father Peter Udo and Rev. Father Philemon Oboh were kidnapped by gunmen in Edo State.