By Linet Maina
YOLA, MAY 24, 2024 (CISA) – Fr Oliver Buba, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Yola in Adamawa State, Nigeria, has been abducted by armed men.
In a statement dated May 21, 2024, Rt Rev Stephen Mamza, the bishop of the diocese of Yola confirmed the abduction of Fr Buba while calling for a safe and speedy release of the priest.
“This sad incident occurred during the early hours of Tuesday 21st May 2024 around 1:00 am in the Father’s Rectory in St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Bare in Numan Local Government of Adamawa State,” said Bishop Mamza.
“We invite all Christ’s Faithfull and all men and women of goodwill to earnestly pray for the quick and safe return of our priest,” he appealed, adding ” 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.”
The abduction of Fr Buba comes less than a week after the kidnapping of yet another priest from the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha.
On May 16, Fr Prudentius Aroh, the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Onitsha released a statement announcing the kidnapping of Fr Basil Gbuzuo, which occurred on May 15 along the Eke Nkpor-Obosi bypass at around 8 am.
In the statement, Fr Aroh revealed that the abductors of Fr Gbuzuo, a priest in residence at the Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, Ogidi, had not established contact with anyone.
