Church Member Arrested For Kidnapping Two Catholic Priests

Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the Adamawa State Police Command has said that it has arrested a 34-year-old man, Tahamado Demian, for allegedly kidnapping two Catholic priests, Reverend Father Abraham Samman of the Jalingo Diocese and Reverend Father Matthew Dusami of the Yola Diocese.

OTN News further reports that the Police spokesperson, Suleiman Nguroje who confirmed the arrest in a statement shared on X.com late this week, said that the suspect, is a member of the same church of the two Catholic Priests.

According to the statement, the priests were rescued on February 21, 2025, during a police operation at a criminal hideout in Gwaida Malam village, located between Numan and Demsa local government areas.

The statement further added that the victims who were found unharmed, and no ransom was paid, are currently receiving medical treatment.

Furthermore, during the operation, the command said it recovered a locally-made assault rifle, a mobile phone, and several SIM cards.

Subsequently, the Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, commended the support from government agencies, security partners, and the public.

He however, urged continued cooperation to enhance security efforts across the state.