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Suspected Terrorists Murder Reverend Father John Cheitnum in Kaduna State

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Reverend Father John Cheitnum, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Jema'a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was brutally murdered by suspected terrorists who kidnapped him alongside his colleague, Donatus Cleopas, on their way to a function in the Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Friday evening. The Christian Association of Nigeria has described Kaduna State as a "dangerous terrain for Christian leaders" following the discovery of the decomposing remains of the slain priest. The CAN Chairman in the state, Rev. John Hayab, expressed this while reacting to the killing of the priest, adding that they were consoled that Rev. Fr. Donatus Cleophas, who was kidnapped with Rev. Fr. Cheitnum, escaped from his abductors.

Key Takeaways:

  • Reverend Father John Cheitnum, the Chairman of CAN in Jema'a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was murdered by suspected terrorists who kidnapped him alongside his colleague, Donatus Cleopas, on their way to a function in the Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Friday evening.
  • The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has described Kaduna State as a "dangerous terrain for Christian leaders" following the discovery of the decomposing remains of the slain priest.
  • Rev. Fr. Donatus Cleophas, who was kidnapped with Rev. Fr. Cheitnum, escaped from his abductors and has reunited with the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan.
  • Reverend Father John Cheitnum was a prominent figure in the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, serving as the Dean of Kwoi Deanery, Director of Communications, and Pastor of St. James Parish Fori, Jama'a LGA, Kaduna State.
  • Following the discovery of his decomposing remains, the Christian Association of Nigeria announced a two-day mourning period for peaceful repose of his soul.

Statistics:

  • Friday 15th July, 2022 - Reverend Father John Cheitnum was kidnapped and brutally murdered by his abductors.
  • Thursday, July 21, 2022 - The burial of Reverend Father John Cheitnum will take place at the Cathedral of St. Peter Kafanchan, Kaduna State, at 10 am.

Sources:

  • "A Press Statement by the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okolo" (https://catholicdioceseofkafanchan.com) - July 19, 2022.

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