Photo: The late Fr Chienum
Rev. Father John Mark Cheitnum, one of the two Catholic priests abducted on Friday last week by gunmen, has been murdered by his abductors.
Cheitnum was abducted alongside Rev. Fr. Donatus Cleopas from the rectory of Christ the King Parish, Yadin Garu in Lere Local Government Area of the state.
The decomposing body of the cleric was found in the early hours of Tuesday.
Confirming the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday, the Chancellor of the Kafanchan Catholic Diocese, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okolo,, said that while Chienum was killed, his colleague however escaped from the terrorists..
The statement reads: “Sequel to the announcement of the kidnapping of two 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 announcers the gruesome murder of Very Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum.
“The decomposing corpse of Rev. Father Cheitnum was discovered where it was dumped on Tuesday, July 19, 2022.
“Kaduna State is a dangerous place to travel through and not safe, particularly for Christian leaders.
“Before his demise, Rev. Father Cheitnum was the CAN Chairman, Jama’a LGA as well as the Coordinating Chairman of CAN, Southern Kaduna.
He was also the Dean of Kwoi Deanery, Director of Communications in the Diocese of Kafanchan and the Pastor of St. James Parish Fori, Jama’a local government area of Kaduna State.
“The Diocese has, however, declared a two-day mourning for peaceful repose of his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.”
