By Jonah Israel
The Bishop of Yola Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Stephen Dami Mamza, has rejected claims that Taledo Damian, the man recently apprehended for the kidnapping of two Catholic priests, had any official role within the church, such as being a mass server or cleric.
During a press conference in Yola, Bishop Mamza emphasized that while the suspect was a member of the church, he did not hold any formal position, such as being a mass server or a cleric. "I want to clarify that this individual is neither a mass server nor a cleric. He is simply a member of the church, and there has been significant misinformation about his identity," the bishop explained.
Bishop Mamza further highlighted the importance of safeguarding the integrity of church personnel, particularly mass servers, whose reputations could be unfairly damaged due to misleading reports. "Mass servers play a vital role in our church, and it's crucial that their image remains intact," he stressed.
The bishop also praised the efforts of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the local vigilante group for their swift and professional actions in rescuing the two priests. "I deeply appreciate the DSS and vigilante forces in Numan for their outstanding work in securing the release of the priests. Their dedication and professionalism were key in this operation," he noted.
The two priests, Rev. Father Mathew David Dusami of Yola Catholic Diocese and Rev. Father Abraham Samman of Jalingo Diocese, were kidnapped on February 22, 2025. Bishop Mamza revealed that from the moment of their abduction, the DSS and local vigilante team worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return. The security forces eventually located the house where the priests were held, leading to their successful rescue.
The bishop shared that security operatives had initially tried to apprehend the kidnapper when he attempted to collect a ransom. While the suspect managed to escape on his motorcycle, he later suffered an accident and fled on foot before ultimately being captured. "Though he tried to surrender to the DSS, he was eventually taken into police custody," Bishop Mamza added.
Bishop Mamza assured the public that the two priests had been thoroughly examined by medical professionals and were in stable condition. He also confirmed that all evidence recovered from the suspect was now in the custody of the DSS.
The bishop reiterated the church’s gratitude to the security forces involved and reassured the faithful that the diocese would continue to collaborate with law enforcement to ensure the safety of clergy members and congregants.
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