Again terrorists abduct 2 Catholic priests in Kaduna

The victims, Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum and Rev. Fr. Donatus Cleopas were abducted barely 11 days after Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Silas was also kidnapped at the rectory of St. Charles Catholic Church in Zambina, Kauru Local Government Area of the state.

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In a statement made available to journalists, the Chancellor, Catholic Diocese of Kafancha, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo, confirmed that the priests were on July 15, 2022 abducted shortly after they arrived for a function at Christ the king Catholic Church, Yadin Garu in Lere Local Government Area of the state.

“With great pain we announce to you the kidnapping of two of our Priests; Rev. Frs. John Mark Cheitnum and Donatus Cleopas,” the statement read.

Christians are increasingly coming under attack by terrorists in northern Nigeria, especially in Kaduna State, prompting some lawmakers in the United States to write the US Secretary of State, requesting the inclusion of Nigeria among those countries where Christians are targetted for persecution.

However, the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, denied that the Federal Government was involved in the persecution of Christians.

He blamed terrorists of the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP, for the attacks.