Priest kidnapped from rectory in Nigeria’s Yola Diocese

The Catholic Diocese of Yola, Nigeria is reeling from the kidnapping of one of its priests, Very Rev. Fr. Oliver Buba.

The priest is said to have been kidnapped in the early hours of May 21, 2024, at approximately 01:00 am, within the Father’s rectory at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Bare, in Numan Local Government of Adamawa State, Nigeria.

In a statement addressed to all priests, religious, and lay faithful, Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Dami Mamza, expressed profound sadness and concern over the situation. He called upon the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, invoking her aid in securing Fr. Buba’s release from the clutches of his abductors.

“With sadness in our hearts, we write to inform the general public of the kidnap of one of our priests, Very Rev. Fr. Oliver Buba. This sad incident occurred during the early hours of today 21″ May, 2024 around 01:00am in the Father’s rectory in St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Bare in Numan Local Government of Adamawa State,” the statement said.

It added that, “We invite all Christ’s Faithful and all men and women of goodwill to earnestly pray for the quick and safe release of our Priest. We commend our brother, Very Rev. Fr. Oliver Buba to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, for his speedy release from the hands of his abductors.”

Nigeria has been battling with a surge of violence orchestrated by gangs, whose members carry out indiscriminate attacks, kidnapping for ransom, and in some cases, killing.

Boko Haram insurgency has been a major challenge in the country since 2009, a group that allegedly aims to turn Africa’s most populous nation into an Islamic nation.