Gunmen suspected to be bandits have kidnapped two catholic pastors, John Cheitnum and Donatus Cleopas in Lere local council of Kaduna State
The incident, WikkiTimes learnt, occurred on Friday around 5: 45pm when the abducted victims were whisked away at gunpoint.
Emmanuel Okolo, chancellor of the Kafanchan Catholic dioceses, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday evening.
READ: Terrorists ‘Kill 4, Kidnap 15 In Kaduna
According to the statement, the pastors were kidnapped after arriving the parish rectory of Christ the King Catholic Church In Yadin Garu, Lere Area of the state
“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 statements reads.
It continues: “The sad event of their abduction occurred around 5.45pm 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.”
READ: Kaduna-Abuja Train Attack: Terrorists Free 7 More Abducted Victims
As of press time, The Police Public Relation officer (PPRO) in the state, Muhammad Jalige, has not responded to enquiries sent to him.
This Is not the first time, pastors were waylaid and kidnapped in Kaduna. On July, 4, marauding gunmen kidnapped Reverend Fr. Emmanuel Silas in Zambina, Kauru Area of the state.
