Two Catholic priests were abducted in Nigeria’s diocese of Kafanchan on 15 July. The diocese has asked for prayers for their safe release.
Father John Mark Cheitnum and Father Denatus Cleopas were abducted at around 5:45 p.m. on July 15 at the rectory of Christ the King Catholic Church in the town of Lere in Nigeria’s northern Kaduna State.
“May Jesus, crucified on the Cross, listen to our prayers and hasten the unconditional release of His priests and all other kidnapped persons,” Father Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo wrote in a statement.
Okolo, who serves as the chancellor of the diocese of Kafanchan, said that the diocese is asking people to pray for the quick and safe release of the kidnapped priests.
“We will use every legitimate means to ensure their quick and safe release,” he said.
In the month of July itself, at least seven Catholic priests have been kidnapped in Nigeria.
The latest abduction brings a total of up to 20 Nigerian priests kidnapped since the beginning of 2022. Three of the priests were killed.