By Amos Tauna The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, has described the gruesome murder of Rev. Fr. John M...
By Amos Tauna
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State
chapter, has described the gruesome murder of Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum by
terrorists as a dangerous terrain for Christian leaders.
DAILY POST recalls that Fr. John Mark abducted from the
rectory of Christ the King Parish YadinGaru, Lere Local Government Area of
Kaduna State, was brutally killed by his abductors on the same day of his
abduction, Friday, 15 July, 2022.
Rev. John Joseph Hayab, CAN state chairman in Kaduna
expressed sadness while reacting to the killing of one of the priests, Very
Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum, who until his death, was the CAN Chairman of
Jema’a Local Government Area of the state, as well as coordinator of CAN in
Southern Kaduna.
According to Rev. Hayab, “Kaduna State is a dangerous place
to travel through and not safe, particularly for Christian leaders.”
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, in a statement
issued by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo, the Chancellor of the Catholic
Diocese of Kafanchan, confirmed the murder of Very Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum.
The statement announced that Rev. Fr. Donatus Cleophas, who
was also kidnapped by the terrorists, escaped from their abductors.
The statement explained, “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.”
It added, “However, it is with a deep sense of sorrow and pains
that the bishop, clergy, religious and laity of the Diocese of Kafanchan
announced the gruesome murder of Very Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum.”
According to the statement titled, “Re: Kidnapped priests of
the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan”, the statement further explained that his
corpse was later discovered decomposing on Tuesday, July 15, 2022.
It explained that until his demise, he was the CAN Chairman,
Jama’a LGA as well as the Coordinating Chairman of CAN, Southern Kaduna,
stressing that Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum was 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.
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