CAN chairman in Kaduna found dead, four days after abduction by bandits

Four days after abduction by gunmen suspected to bandits, Catholic priest and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Rev.Fr. John Cheitnum has been found.

The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan while confirming the murder of the priest, Tuesday, said Cheitnum’s corpse was discovered on Tuesday already decomposing after he was killed by his abductors on the same day he was kidnapped.

Rev.Fr. John Cheitnum, was also the coordinating chairman of the body for Southern Kaduna before his demise.

He had been kidnapped alongside Rev.Fr. Donatus Cleophas on July 15, from the Rectory of Christ the King Parish, Yadin Garu in Lere Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement, the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okolo, said that Cleophas, however, managed to escape from his abductors and had returned.

He solicited for prayers for the repose of the soul of the late priest while cautioning the people against taking laws into their hand.

According to him, the diocese has declared a two-day mourning period for the murdered priest while burial has been slated for Thursday, July 21.

Meanwhile, another Catholic priest in Kaduna State earlier abducted by gunmen on Sunday, July 3 has yet to be found.

The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan had, penultimate Sunday, July 3, raised the alarm that one of its priests, Rev. Fr. Joseph Shekari of St Monica’s Catholic Church, Ikulu Parish, has been abducted by gunmen, suspected to be bandits terrorizing the North West region of the country.

Ikulu parsh is in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

In a statement, Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okolo, said Shekari was kidnapped at about 11.30 p.m. on Sunday from his residence.

Okolo solicited for prayers, saying that the Church would do everything legally possible to secure the priest quick and safe release.

“May Jesus crucified on the cross, listen to our prayers and hasten the unconditional release of His priest and all others kidnapped,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, reacting to the latest killing of a cleric, President, Muhammadu Buhari, Wednesday, condemned the murder of Reverend John Cheitnum of the Kafanchan Catholic Diocese in Kaduna State, four days after he was seized by gunmen.

Reacting to the incident in Abuja, President Buhari said: “I am deeply disturbed by the murder of this revered religious figure by outlaws who seem to be bent on creating chaos and disorder in the country.

“The persistent attack on innocent people, including religious figures, by gunmen is a matter of grave concern for this administration because security is one of the major issues of our campaign promises.

“Let me reassure Nigerians that my commitment to this issue is as firm as ever. I have always made it a duty to regularly summon security chiefs to discuss these challenges and the way forward.

“I’m not allowing the security chiefs to rest unless and until we find a very effective solution to this disturbing security situation. The security of all Nigerians remains our major priority and I assure Nigerians that we are determined to crush these enemies of humanity with all the resources at our disposal,” the President declared.

He extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and the Christian Association of Nigeria leadership in Kaduna State over the death of the Priest.