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Nigeria’s Yola Catholic Diocese Appeals for “quick, safe release” of Abducted Priest

Fr. Oliver Buba, abducted Tuesday 21 May 2024 in Nigeria's Catholic Diocese of Yola. Credit: Yola Diocese

By Silas Isenjia

Yola, 21 May, 2024 / 9:00 pm (ACI Africa).

The Catholic Diocese of Yola in Nigeria has, “with sadness”, announced the abduction of Fr. Oliver Buba in “the early hours” of Tuesday, May 21, and is appealing for his “quick and safe release”.

In a Tuesday, May 21 statement shared with ACI Africa, the Local Ordinary of the Nigerian Catholic Diocese, Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza, says that the incident occurred “around 01:00 am in the Father's rectory” at St. Rita's Catholic Church, in the country’s Adamawa State.

In the statement addressed to the Clergy, women and men Religious, and the Laity under this pastoral care, Bishop Mamza urges them “to earnestly pray” for Fr. Oliver’s safety.

“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 Nigerian Bishop says in the one-page statement.

Meanwhile, last week, the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha also sought prayers for the “quick, safe release” of one of its Priests, Fr. Basil Gbuzuo, who was reportedly abducted on May 15.

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In a May 16 statement shared with ACI Africa, the Chancellor of the Nigerian Catholic Archdiocese, Fr. Prudentius Aroh, stated, “Until now, the abductors have not established any contact with anybody.”

“We commend our brother, Fr. Basil, to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, for his speedy release from the hands of his kidnappers,” Fr. Aroh implored. 

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.

Silas Isenjia

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.

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