Bishop Denies Church Official Behind Kidnap Of Catholic Priests

The Bishop of Yola Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza, has dismissed reports alleging that Taledo Damian, the recently arrested alleged kidnapper of two Catholic priests, was an altar servant or cleric within the diocese.

Bishop Mamza admitted that the suspect was a member of the church but did not hold any official role as a mass server or cleric.

Addressing the issue in a press conference in Yola on Monday, Mamza emphasised the need to protect the integrity of the church’s clerics and mass servers, stressing that misinformation could destroy their reputation.

Reports on March 9 said 34-year-old Taledo Damian was arrested on Saturday night for allegedly masterminding the abduction of two catholic priests for a N10m ransom in Adamawa State.

The police, in a statement on Sunday, confirmed that Damian was arrested in connection with the kidnapping of Rev. Fr. Mathew David and Abraham Samman of Adamawa and Taraba diocese, respectively, on February 22, 2025.

Mamza revealed that from the moment the priests were kidnapped, the Department of State Services (DSS) and vigilante operatives worked tirelessly to secure their release.

“Since the priests were kidnapped, we have worked closely with the DSS and vigilante group in Numan. I am aware of all the steps taken. It was the DSS and vigilante team that stormed the house where the priests were held and successfully rescued them.”

He commended the DSS and local vigilante operatives for their dedication and professionalism in rescuing the two abducted priests.

Mamza further explained that security operatives attempted to apprehend the kidnapper when he came to collect the ransom, but he escaped. he later had an accident on his motorcycle and fled on foot.

The bishop reassured the public that the two priests—Rev. Father Mathew David Dusami of Yola Catholic Diocese and Rev. Father Abraham Samman of Jalingo Diocese—underwent medical examinations and were found to be in stable condition.

Mamza, while expressing the church’s gratitude for the successful operation, assured that the diocese would continue to work closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of clergy members and worshippers.

He also confirmed that all exhibits obtained from the suspect are now in the custody of the DSS.

Bishop Denies Church Official Behind Kidnap Of Catholic Priests is first published on The Whistler Newspaper