The Commissioner of Police in Adamawa, CP Dankombo Morris, has strongly denounced the abduction of two Catholic priests, Rev. Fr. Mathew Dusami of the Yola Diocese and Rev. Fr. Abraham Samman of the Jalingo Diocese, in a pre-dawn raid on Saturday, February 22. The condemnatory remarks came in a statement issued by the command’s spokesman, SP Suleiman Nguroje, as authorities launched a manhunt to rescue the victims and apprehend the culprits.
According to CP Morris, the kidnapping unfolded at the priests’ residence in Gwaida Malam, Numan Local Government Area, around 4 a.m. “The unfortunate incident occurred at the priest’s residence… The kidnappers, armed with offensive weapons, arrived at the victim’s house around 4 am and whisked them away,” he said, detailing the audacious attack. In response, the commissioner has mobilized police operatives to pursue the abductors, pledging a relentless effort to ensure the priests’ safe return. “The CP in 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 affirmed.
The police chief vowed that the command’s actions would hold the perpetrators accountable, stating that their efforts “will definitely bring the perpetrators and other persons involved to face the full wrath of the law.” This resolve reflects a broader commitment to curbing violent crime in Adamawa, with Morris emphasizing the force’s dedication to protecting lives and property. The abduction has sparked particular outrage due to the victims’ roles as religious leaders, prompting a stern rebuke from the commissioner. “This unprovoked kidnapping of religious leaders is totally unacceptable as they are not only stakeholders but also people who are actively working to promote peace in the society,” he declared, underscoring the broader societal impact of the crime.
Authorities have appealed for public cooperation to aid the rescue mission, urging residents to provide timely information that could lead to the priests’ release. “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,” Morris stated. The call for community vigilance comes amid heightened efforts to restore order in the wake of this brazen act.
The kidnapping has sent shockwaves through Adamawa’s religious and civic communities, with the targeted abduction of two prominent clerics raising concerns about security in the region. Rev. Fr. Dusami and Rev. Fr. Samman, respected figures in their dioceses, were taken from their home by armed assailants, leaving parishioners and officials reeling. As police operatives comb the area in pursuit of the kidnappers, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing law enforcement in tackling crime in Nigeria’s northeast. CP Morris’s swift response and firm stance signal a determination to not only resolve this case but also deter future attacks on the state’s peaceful fabric.