The Adamawa State Police Command has launched a manhunt for armed men who abducted two Catholic priests in the early hours of Saturday, February 22, 2025.
The victims, Reverend Father Mathew David Dusami of Yola Catholic Diocese and Reverend Father Abraham Samman of Jalingo Diocese, were kidnapped from their residence in Gwaida Malam, Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, who condemned the attack, described it as “an unprovoked kidnapping of religious leaders who are actively working to promote peace in society.”
According to a statement by Police Public Relations Officer SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, the kidnappers stormed the priests’ residence at around 4:00 a.m., armed with dangerous weapons, and forcibly took them away.
CP Morris has since deployed a special police team to track down the perpetrators and ensure the safe rescue of the victims.
“The progressive efforts of the command will definitely bring the perpetrators and other persons involved to face the full wrath of the law,” the police statement read.
The police have urged residents to remain calm and provide any useful information that could aid in the rescue operation.
“We seek the support and cooperation of the general public to give useful and timely information that will aid our quest to rescue the victims and apprehend the criminals,” Nguroje added.
The kidnapping of religious leaders has sparked outrage among the Christian community and the general public, with many calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to curb the increasing wave of abductions in the region.
Authorities have assured residents that efforts are in top gear to track the kidnappers and ensure the safe return of the abducted priests.
