Gunmen abduct two Catholic priests in Kaduna

Two Catholic priests — identified as John Cheitnum and Donatus Cleopas — have been abducted in Lere LGA of Kaduna state.

The priests were said to have been abducted on Friday at Gure parish, Lere LGA.

The abduction was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday night by Emmanuel Okolo, chancellor of the Kafanchan Catholic diocese.

According to the statement, the priests were kidnapped shortly after they arrived the parısh rectory of Christ the King Catholic Church in Yadin Garu, Lere LGA.

“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 statement reads.

“The sad event of their abduction occurred around 5.45pm 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.”

The development comes days after Emmanuel Silas, a Catholic priest, was abducted in Kauru LGA of Kaduna state.