One of two church ministers abducted on 15 July in Kaduna State, Nigeria, has been killed by his captors, while the other was able to escape.
John Cheitnum and Donatus Cleopas were captured in the church rectory at Yadin Gura village, Lere Local Government Area (LGA). The ministers had met in the village and stayed overnight.
On 19 July Cleopas succeeded in escaping from his abductors and was able to pass on information concerning his colleague’s death.
Pastor John Joseph Hayab, head of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna, announced that Cleopas himself had confirmed that Cheitnum was killed on the day they were kidnapped.
John Cheitnum was until his death the CAN chairman of Jema’a LGA in Kaduna State as well as the coordinating chairman of CAN in southern Kaduna.
Pray that the family, friends and congregation of John Cheitnum will know God’s comfort as they come to terms with their loss. Give thanks for Donatus Cleopas’ release and pray for an end to the constant violence towards Christians in Nigeria.
