Adamawa: Arrested Kidnapper of Catholic Clergymen Was a Church Member, Not Mass Server – Bishop Mamza
From Umar Dankano, Yola
The Catholic Diocese of Yola has refuted claims that the arrested suspect involved in the kidnapping of two Catholic priests was a mass server, clarifying that he was merely a church member.
Speaking at a press conference in Yola on Monday, the Bishop of Yola Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Stephen Dami Mamza, expressed concern over misinformation in the media, which falsely labeled the suspect as a mass server. He emphasized, “The kidnapper, Taledo Demian Jonathan, is not a mass server or a cleric but simply a church member.”
Bishop Mamza further disclosed that operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) and members of the vigilante group in Numan Local Government Area were instrumental in tracking and apprehending the suspect. He explained that the security operatives set up a trap by luring Jonathan to collect the ransom meant for securing the priests’ release.
“The DSS and the vigilante group in Numan played a crucial role in rescuing the two priests. They tracked the kidnapper’s hideout and successfully secured their release,” Mamza stated.
He commended the professionalism and dedication of the security personnel, saying, “We deeply appreciate the commitment of these gallant DSS operatives and vigilante members, who pursued the suspect relentlessly until he surrendered.”
Bishop Mamza also reassured the public that the rescued clergymen—Rev. Fr. Mathew David Dusami of Yola Catholic Diocese and Rev. Fr. Abraham Sammani of Jalingo Diocese—are in stable condition after undergoing medical check-ups.
The priests were abducted in Numan on February 22, 2025, and taken to the bush before being blindfolded and relocated to the suspect’s house in Numan, where ransom negotiations began. A sum of ₦10 million was agreed upon before the DSS and vigilante operatives intervened, successfully rescuing the clergymen on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
