Buhari condemns murder of kidnapped Kaduna Priest, assures Security Chiefs restore safety in Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed strong condemnation of the murder of a Catholic priest, Reverend Father John Cheitnum, by kidnappers after four days of being whisked away to I known destination Kaduna State. Rev. Chetrum was serving at the Kafanchan Catholic Diocese in the state.

President Buhari in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, lamented: “I am deeply disturbed by the murder of this revered religious figure by outlaws who seem to be bent on creating chaos and disorder in the country.

“The persistent attack on innocent people, including religious figures, by gunmen is a matter of grave concern for this administration because security is one of the major issues of our campaign promises.”

The President reassured that the government will sustain efforts for the safety of Nigerians.

The president had declared: “Let me reassure Nigerians that my commitment to this issue is as firm as ever; I have always made it a duty to regularly summon security chiefs to discuss these challenges and the way forward.

“I’m not allowing the security chiefs to rest unless and until we find a very effective solution to this disturbing security situation.

“The security of all Nigerians remains our major priority and I assure Nigerians that we are determined to crush these enemies of humanity with all the resources at our disposal.”

President Buhari transmitted his condolences to the family of the priest and the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kaduna State on the death of Cheitnum.

The Chancellor of Kafanchan Catholic Diocese, Reverend Father Emmanuel Okolo, had revealed the discovery of the decaying body of Cheitnum last Tuesday.