LAGOS (CNS): The body of Father John Cheitnum, one of two priests kidnapped by assailants on July 15 from Christ the King Church in Lere, central Nigeria, was discovered on July 19, the Diocese of Kafanchan reported.
Father Emnanuel Okolo diocesan chancellor, said that the second priest, Father Donatus Suleiman, was able to flee the abductors and is safe.
Father Cheitnum, who was the parish priest, director of communications of the diocese, and chairperson of the Christian Association of Nigeria, was killed by his abductors on the same day he was kidnapped.
Father Okolo called for prayers for Father Cheitnum and his family, and appealed for people not to take the law into their own hands in retaliating against the abductors should they be found.
Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari, condemned the murder, saying in a July 20 statement that he was “deeply disturbed” by the death caused by “outlaws who seem to be bent on creating chaos and disorder in the country.”
Buhari added that the persistent attacks by gunmen on innocent people, including religious figures, was of grave concern for his administration.
The kidnappings and the killing are the latest in a series of violent actions against Catholic communities and clergy in recent weeks.
The Diocese of Kafanchan reported that during the early morning hours of July 4, Father Emmanuel Silas was abducted from the rectory at St. Charles Parish in Kauru. He was released less than 24 hours later.
Father Vitus Borogo was shot and killed by unknown assailants on June 25 while working at a prison farm in Kaduna state.
Another priest, Father Christopher Odia, was kidnapped on June 26 from the St. Michael Parish rectory in Etsako in Edo state in southwest Nigeria. He died when his abductors shot him during a rescue attempt by local police.
On Pentecost, June 6, at least 40 worshippers were killed when gunmen opened fire during morning Mass at St. Francis Xavier Church in Owo in the southwestern state of Ondo [Sunday Examiner, June 12]. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.
Church officials have decried violence against Catholic targets and urged that government authorities crack down on the armed groups that are carrying out kidnappings and attacks on faith communities.
