Church Member Arrested for Kidnapping Priests in Adamawa

Adamawa Police Detain Suspect in Priest Kidnapping Case

The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a 34-year-old church member, Tahamado Demian, for allegedly kidnapping two Catholic priests, Reverend Fathers Abraham Samman and Matthew David Dusami. The suspect was apprehended during a coordinated police operation at a criminal hideout in Gwaida Malam village, a remote area between Numan and Demsa Local Government Areas.

The operation, initiated on February 21, 2025, led to the successful rescue of the priests unharmed, without any ransom paid. Authorities recovered a locally fabricated assault rifle, a handset, and SIM cards from the suspect.

Commissioner of Police Dankombo Morris commended the swift efforts of the officers and expressed gratitude for the support from the government, sister security agencies, and the public. He emphasized the importance of public cooperation in providing timely information to aid in combating criminal activities.

The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue, with authorities assuring the public of a diligent prosecution.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of clergy members in the region. In a related development, Father Sylvester Okechukwu, parish priest of St. Mary Tachira Church in Kaduna State, was kidnapped and tragically killed earlier this month, underscoring the risks faced by religious leaders.

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