Altar Servant Masterminds Abduction of Two Catholic Priests in Adamawa, Demands ₦10 Million Ransom
March 8, 2025
Two Catholic priests kidnapped in Adamawa State have been rescued after being found tied up in the house of a Church altar servant, Taledo Demiel, who allegedly masterminded their abduction and demanded ₦10 million ransom.
The priests, identified as Rev. Father Matthew David Dusami of the Yola Diocese and Rev. Father Abraham Samman of the Jalingo Diocese, were kidnapped on February 22, 2025, at their residence in Gweda Mallam, Numan Local Government Area.
According to security sources, Demiel attempted to collect the ransom but fled after noticing the presence of security operatives, leaving behind his motorcycle. The motorcycle led authorities to his house, where the priests were found locked in a room and subsequently rescued.
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One security officer, speaking anonymously, confirmed the discovery:
“Upon suspecting there were security operatives around, he abandoned the ransom and ran away, leaving his motorcycle behind. This led us to his house, where we found the priests locked inside and rescued them.”
The Bishop of Yola Diocese, Dr. Stephen Dami Mamza, confirmed the rescue in an official statement but declined to comment on the altar servant’s involvement.
The Adamawa State Police Command had previously confirmed the abduction, with its spokesperson, SP Suleiman Nguroje, describing the incident as an unprovoked act of violence.
He stated:
“The Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, strongly condemns the kidnapping of Reverend Father Matthew David Dusami and Reverend Father Abraham Samman. The suspects, armed with offensive weapons, stormed the priests’ residence around 4 am and abducted them.”
The police have intensified efforts to track down Taledo Demiel, who remains at large, while the rescued priests are receiving medical attention and counseling.