Two Catholic priests have been abducted on Friday by Gunmen at Lere LGA, Kaduna State. The two priests identified as John Cheitnum and Donatus Cleopas were kidnaped shortly after they arrived at the parish rectory of Christ the King Catholic Church in Yadin Garu, Lere LGA.
This was confirmed in a statement issued by Chancellor of the Kafanchan Catholic Diocese, Emmanuel Okolo, on Friday night.
The statement read:
“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 5.45 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.”
