JUST IN: Two Catholic Priests Kidnapped by Gunmen; Police Begin Massive Manhunt

Two Catholic priests have been abducted by suspected gunmen in Gweda Mallam, Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The victims, Reverend Father Mathew David Dusami of Yola Catholic Diocese and Reverend Father Abraham Samman of Jalingo Diocese, were taken in the early hours of Saturday, February 22.

The Adamawa State Police Command confirmed the abduction in a statement released the same day by its spokesman, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje. According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, strongly condemned the incident and has taken immediate action to ensure the safe rescue of the priests.

“The Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, has vehemently condemned the unprovoked kidnapping of Reverend Father Mathew David Dusami and Reverend Father Abraham Samman. The unfortunate incident occurred at the priests’ residence in Gweda Malam, Numan Local Government Area,” the statement read.

To secure the release of the priests, the Commissioner has deployed the command’s operational and manpower assets in pursuit of the kidnappers. He assured the public that efforts were underway to rescue the victims unharmed and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Morris reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and combating violent crimes, stressing that the abduction of religious leaders is unacceptable, given their vital role in fostering peace in society. The police have called for public cooperation, urging citizens to provide any useful information that could aid in rescuing the victims and apprehending the criminals.

Authorities have assured residents of their determination to bring those responsible to justice and urged the community to remain calm while security operations continue.