Gunmen abduct Adamawa Catholic priests

The Adamawa State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the armed men who abducted two Catholic priests in the state.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that the victims, Rev Fr Mathew Dusami of Yola Catholic Diocese and Rev. Fr. Abraham Samman of Jalingo Diocese were abducted from their residence in Gwaida Malam, Numan Local Government Area, around 4:00am on Saturday.

The spokesperson for the Adamawa Police Command, Suleiman Nguroje, said security operatives had been deployed to track down the kidnappers and ensure the safe return of the victims.

According to Nguroje, the state Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, assured the public that the perpetrators would face the full wrath of the law.

“The unfortunate incident occurred at the priests’ residence at Gwaida Malam, in Numan Local Government of Adamawa State.

 “The kidnappers, armed with offensive weapons, arrived at the victim’s house around 4 am and whisked them away.

 “The CP in a concerted effort to rescue the victims, has deployed the command’s operational and manpower assets to give a hot chase to the kidnappers, rescue the victims unhurt, apprehend the perpetrators and their collaborators if any,” he said.

He emphasised the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and resisting all forms of violent crimes in the state.

 “This unprovoked kidnapping of religious leaders is unacceptable as they are not only stakeholders but also people who are actively working to promote peace in the society.

“The command, while appealing for calm, therefore, seeks the support and cooperation of the general public to give useful and timely information that will aid its quest to rescue the victims and apprehend the criminals,” he stated.