2 More Catholic Priests Kidnapped in Nigeria

At least seven Catholic priests have been kidnapped in Nigeria in July, according to Aid to the Church in Need.

Written by National Catholic Registry

The Nigerian Diocese of Kafanchan has asked for prayers after two Catholic priests were kidnapped Friday evening. Fathers John Mark Cheitnum and Denatus Cleopas were abducted at around 5:45pm 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 shared with CNA.

Father 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.

At least seven Catholic priests have been kidnapped in Nigeria in the month of July, according to data compiled by Aid to the Church in Need, a Catholic nonprofit organization. The latest abduction brings the total up to 20 Nigerian priests kidnapped since the beginning of 2022. Three of the priests were killed.

By National Catholic Registry