The Catholic Diocese of Yola has announced the successful rescue of Reverend Fr. Matthew Dutsemi and Reverend Fr. Abraham Saumman from the Jalingo Diocese, who had recently been kidnapped.
In a statement signed by Most Reverend Dr. Stephen Dami Mamza, the Bishop of Yola Diocese, the church expressed its gratitude to God, security operatives, and parishioners for their support and prayers.
“With a heart full of joy and gratitude to God Almighty, I am pleased to announce, on behalf of myself, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo, and the entire Catholic community of our dioceses, the rescue of Reverend Fathers Matthew Dutsemi and Abraham Saumman, who was abducted on February 22, 2025, from the priest’s rectory in Gweda Mallam, Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa State,” the Bishop stated.
He added, “The abduction of our priests has been a deeply distressing event, but the love and concern shown by security operatives, local authorities, individuals, faith communities, and organizations within our dioceses and beyond have not only encouraged us to move forward but have also reminded us that we are not alone in the struggles of life. Your prayers have been a beacon of hope, guiding us through the darkness caused by this senseless abduction of our brothers.”
The Bishop noted that their rescue was made possible through a combined effort of the Department of State Security Service (DSSS) and local vigilante groups.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police, Adamawa Command, has arrested a 34-year-old named Tahamado Jonathan Demian, who is connected to the crime.
This information was shared in a statement by Suleiman Nguroje, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Adamawa Command. He revealed that the operation led to the recovery of locally fabricated guns, handsets, and SIM cards.
“In our commitment to ensuring the protection of lives and property and creating a safe environment in the state, the command conducted a coordinated rescue operation at a criminal hideout located in a remote area of Gwada Mallam village, which connects Numan and Demsa LGAs,” Suleiman stated.
He further explained, “These rescue operations began on February 21, 2025, targeting various criminal hideouts within the state and have yielded positive results. One of the arrested individuals, Tahamado Jonathan Demian, 34, is a member of the same church as the victims and is charged with the kidnapping of Reverend Fathers Abraham Saumman and Matthew David Dutsemi of the Catholic Dioceses of Yola and Jalingo, respectively.”
