Catholic priest kidnapped by suspected terrorists in Nigeria

By Charity Nginyu

A Catholic priest, Rev Father Oliver Buba, has been kidnapped by armed suspected terrorists in Adamawa State of Nigeria.

The abduction, reports say occurred precisely at St Rita Catholic Church Bare, located in the Numan Local Government Area.

The Catholic Diocese of Yola confirmed the incident, indicating that Father Buba was taken in the early hours of Tuesday, May 21, 2024, from his residence.

In a statement signed by the Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Rev Stephen Dami Mamza, the bishop expressed deep sorrow over the incident.

“With sadness in our hearts, we write to inform the general public of the kidnap of one of our priests, Very Rev Father Oliver Buba,” Bishop Mamza’s statement read.

The bishop called on the community and well-wishers to join in prayer for the priest’s safe return. “We invite all Christ’s faithful and all men and women of goodwill to earnestly pray for quick and safe release of our priest,” he urged.

The kidnapping of clergy has become an alarming issue in Nigeria, with armed groups frequently targeting religious leaders for ransom.