One of the two abducted priests attached to the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has been killed by his abductors, the diocese disclosed on Tuesday evening.
Religion Nigeria recalls that Rev. Fr. Donatus Cleophas Sulaiman, and Rev. Fr. John Mark Chietnum were abducted around 5:15 pm on Friday 15/07/2022, on their way to a Diocesan function.
However, in a statement released by the diocese, the kidnappers were said to have killed Fr. Chietnum, His remains were discovered on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, his colleague, Fr. Sulaiman was said to have escaped from the kidnappers’ den and has since been reunited with his family.
“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.
“However, it is with a deep sense of sorrow and pains that the Bishop, Clergy. Religious and Laity of the Diocese of Kafanchan announce the gruesome murder of Very Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum.
“Fr. John Mark was brutally killed by his abductors on the same day of his abduction; Friday 15th of July 2022. His corpse was later discovered already decomposing on Tuesday 19” July. 2022.
“Until his demise, he was the CAN Chairman, Jama’a LGA as well as the Coordinating Chairman of CAN, Southern Kaduna. He was the Dean of Kwoi Deanery, Director of Communications in the Diocese of Kafanchan and the Pastor of St. Jarnes Parish Fon, Jama’a LGA, Kaduna State. Burial is slated for Thursday, 21. July 2022 at the Cathedral of St. Peter Kafanchan, Kaduna State. Time: 10am
“As we solicit for prayers for the repose of our dear brother Priest and God’s consolation on his immediate family, we wish to humbly call on all and sundry to refrain horn taking the laws into their hands. The Diocese has declared two-day mourning for peaceful repose of his soul and may his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace — Amen,” the statement read.
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