Metro

Abducted Kaduna Priest Found Dead, CAN Reacts

Published

3 years ago

July 19, 2022

LThe Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, has described the gruesome murder of Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum by terrorists as a dangerous terrain for Christian leaders.

Recall that Fr. John Mark was abducted from the rectory of Christ the King Parish YadinGaru, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was brutally killed by his abductors on the same day of his abduction, Friday, 15 July, 2022.

Rev. John Joseph Hayab, CAN state chairman in Kaduna expressed sadness while reacting to the killing of one of the priests, Very Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum, who until his death, was the CAN Chairman of Jema’a Local Government Area of the state, as well as coordinator of CAN in Southern Kaduna.

According to Rev. Hayab, “Kaduna State is a dangerous place to travel through and not safe, particularly for Christian leaders.”

Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, in a statement issued by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, confirmed the murder of Very Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum.

The statement announced that Rev. Fr. Donatus Cleophas, who was also kidnapped by the terrorists, escaped from their abductors.

The statement explained, “Sequel to the announcement of the two kidnapped priests from our diocese, we wish to announce that Rev. Fr. Donatus Cleophas escaped from his abductors and has reunited with us.”

It added, “However, it is with a deep sense of sorrow and pains that the bishop, clergy, religious and laity of the Diocese of Kafanchan announced the gruesome murder of Very Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum.”

According to the statement titled, “Re: Kidnapped priests of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan”, the statement further explained that his corpse was later discovered decomposing on Tuesday, July 15, 2022.”

It explained that until his demise, he was the CAN Chairman, Jama’a LGA as well as the Coordinating Chairman of CAN, Southern Kaduna, stressing that Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum was the Dean of Kwoi Deanery, Director of Communications in the Diocese of Kafanchan and the Pastor of St. James Parish Fori, Jama’a local government area of Kaduna State.

The Diocese has, however, declared a two-day mourning for peaceful repose of his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

Metro

JUST IN: Fire Guts Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone In Igbesa

Published

16 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Editor

A fire broke out on Sunday at the Ogun State Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa.

As of this report, there has been no official statement on what caused the incident. However, a resident said the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The source added that the fire spread quickly, affecting nearby houses before emergency responders arrived.

Details later…

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has approved, on behalf of the university’s Senate, the postponement of students’ resumption and commencement of academic activities.

In a statement,
Otunba Mike Aladenika,
Head, Information, Public Relations & Protocol, AAU, said the decision became necessary to enable the university to complete ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities, aimed at enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.

“According to him, the management is committed to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and believes that this temporary adjustment will ultimately benefit our students.

“While the university management intends to announce a new resumption date, any student(s) still in our hostels are advised to vacate with immediate effect to allow for effective ongoing renovation works

“In light of this development, the university regrets to announce that the 140th Inaugural Lecture, originally scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and ongoing examinations have been postponed.

“A new date for the lecture and the completion of the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.

“The university appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and guardians on this matter.

“We urge all students to adhere to the new resumption date and prepare for a productive academic session.

“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure their children/wards are aware of and comply with the revised resumption schedule.”

Metro

Protest Rocks Ekpoma Over Incessant Kidnapping

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday protested against incessant kidnappings in the area.

Ekpoma, in recent times has been under attack by kidnappers who snatched residents from their homes.

The protest grounded commercial activities as students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, also joined in the protest.

The protesters, in anger, also pulled down campaign billboards for the 2027 general elections mounted in the university hosting town.

Speaking on the protest, Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Austin Eigbiremolen, assured that adequate security would be deployed to Ekpoma.

According to him, the kidnappers would be chased away from the area in no distance time.

Also reacting to the protest, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, dismissed was top of the security situation in Ekpoma, adding the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma.

Ikoedem said nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside local hunters.

“In the heat of the rescue operation, the kidnappers’ camp was located through real-time aerial intelligence.

“The ground troops stormed the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.

“The victims, including five children were rescued unhurt. This landmark deployment underscores the transformative role of technology in modern policing and sets a new benchmark for operational enhancement in Edo State,” she said.