Two Catholic priests who were kidnapped in Adamawa State last week have been rescued from the home of a church altar server, according to reports.
The priests, Rev. Fathers Matthew David Dusami and Abraham Samman, were abducted on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from their residence at a convent in Gweda Mallam, Numan Local Government Area. Their disappearance caused widespread concern among church members, prompting security agencies to launch a search operation.
Investigations revealed that the abduction was orchestrated by Taledo Demiel, an altar server at the church. Demiel allegedly demanded a ₦10 million ransom for the priests’ release. However, his plan failed when he tried to collect the ransom but fled after suspecting security operatives were nearby. In his rush to escape, he left behind the ransom money and his motorcycle, which became key evidence in the case.
Using this evidence, security operatives raided Demiel’s home, where they found the two priests tied up and locked in a room. The priests were rescued, but Demiel remains at large.
The Bishop of the Yola Diocese, Dr. Stephen Dami Mamza, confirmed the rescue but declined to comment on the altar server’s involvement.
Earlier, the Adamawa State Police Command condemned the abduction. According to spokesperson SP Suleiman Nguroje, armed men stormed the priests’ residence around 4 a.m. on the day of the incident and took them by force. The Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, assured the public that efforts were ongoing to arrest everyone involved in the crime.
The rescued priests serve in the Adamawa and Taraba dioceses of the Catholic Church.
