Two Catholic priests, Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum and Rev. Fr. Donatus Cleopas have been kidnapped at Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Chietnum is the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Confirming the development, the Chancellor, Catholic Diocese of Kafancha, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo in a statement on Saturday said, the priests were taken away by the terrorists on Friday.
According to the Chancellor, “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 were on their way to a function at a different parish in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“We solicit for 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,” he prayed.