Two Catholic priests have been kidnapped by gunmen in Adamawa State. The victims, Rev. Fr. Mathew Dusami of Yola Catholic Diocese and Rev. Fr. Abraham Samman of Jalingo Diocese, were abducted in the early hours of Saturday, February 22.
The Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, strongly condemned the incident. In a statement released by the command’s spokesman, SP Suleiman Nguroje, the commissioner noted that efforts were already underway to rescue the priests.
“The unfortunate incident occurred at the priest’s residence situated at Gwaida Malam, in Numan Local Government of Adamawa State,” the statement read.
Reports indicate that the armed kidnappers stormed the residence around 4 a.m. and forcibly took the priests away. Following the attack, police operatives were immediately deployed to track down the criminals and ensure the safe return of the victims.
“The CP, in concerted effort to rescue the victims, has deployed the command’s operational and manpower assets to give a hot chase to the kidnappers, rescue the victims unhurt, apprehend the perpetrators and their collaborators if any,” the statement added.
The police command assured the public that those responsible would be brought to justice. The commissioner also noted the commitment of the police to protecting lives and ensuring security across the state.
“This unprovoked kidnapping of religious leaders is totally unacceptable as they are not only stakeholders but also people who are actively working to promote peace in the society,” the commissioner stated.
