Church Member Arrested for Kidnapping Two Catholic Priests in Adamawa
The Adamawa State Police Command has apprehended a 34-year-old church member, Tahamado Jonathan Demian, for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of two Catholic priests, Reverend Fathers Abraham Samman and Matthew David Dusami.
The abduction, which occurred on February 21, 2025, sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the increasing vulnerability of clergy members in the region. The Adamawa State Police Command, acting on credible intelligence, launched a coordinated operation targeting a known criminal hideout in Gwaida Malam village, situated between the Numan and Demsa Local Government Areas. This strategic location has reportedly been a nexus for various criminal activities, including kidnappings and armed assaults.
During the operation, law enforcement officers successfully apprehended Demian, who was found in possession of a locally fabricated assault rifle, a mobile handset, and multiple SIM cards. These items are believed to have been utilized in orchestrating the kidnappings and facilitating communication with other criminal elements. Notably, the rescue mission culminated in the safe retrieval of Reverend Fathers Samman and Dusami, both of whom were unharmed and did not require any ransom payment for their release. The swift and effective action by the police ensured that the victims were promptly provided with medical evaluations to confirm their well-being.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, lauded the dedication and rapid response of the officers involved in the operation. He emphasized that such incidents of betrayal from within religious communities are particularly troubling and reaffirmed the commitment of the police force to uphold peace and security across the state. CP Morris also extended his gratitude to the state government, allied security agencies, and the general public for their unwavering support and cooperation in combating criminal activities.
This incident is not isolated, as it reflects a broader pattern of clergy-targeted kidnappings in the region. For instance, in December 2024, two priests from the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, Reverend James Kwayang and Reverend Ishaku Chiwar, were abducted under similar circumstances. Such events have raised concerns about the safety of religious leaders and the need for enhanced security measures within faith-based communities.
The arrest of Demian, a trusted church member, underscores the complex dynamics of internal threats and the imperative for religious institutions to exercise vigilance. The Adamawa State Police Command continues to urge citizens to remain alert and report any suspicious activities, reinforcing the collective responsibility in safeguarding communities against such nefarious acts.
As investigations proceed, the authorities are committed to ensuring that justice is served and that all individuals involved in this and related crimes are held accountable. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the evolving security challenges faced by religious institutions and the critical importance of community collaboration in addressing these threats.