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Suspected kidnapper of priest church member, not mass server – Bishop clarifies

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The Bishop of Yola Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Stephen Dami Mamza, has debunked claims that Taledo Damian, the recently arrested kidnapper of two Catholic priests, was a mass server or cleric within the diocese.

Speaking at a press conference in Yola, Bishop Mamza clarified that while the suspect was a church member, he held no official role.

“I want to make it absolutely clear that the kidnapper is not a mass server, nor is he a cleric. There has been a lot of misinformation about his identity, and it is important to correct this,” the bishop stated.

He stressed the importance of safeguarding the reputation of the church’s clergy and mass servers, emphasizing that false information could damage their image.

The bishop commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilante operatives for their roles in rescuing the kidnapped priests.

“I sincerely appreciate the security agents who secured the release of the priests, particularly the DSS and the vigilante group in Numan. Their professionalism and swift action were commendable,” he said.

The priests—Rev. Father Mathew David Dusami of Yola Catholic Diocese and Rev. Father Abraham Samman of Jalingo Diocese—were abducted on February 22, 2025. Bishop Mamza revealed that the DSS and vigilante operatives worked tirelessly to track and rescue them.

According to him, security forces stormed the location where the priests were held and successfully freed them.

The suspect initially escaped arrest but later had an accident while fleeing on a motorcycle.

“He tried to surrender to the DSS, but somehow ended up in police custody instead,” Bishop Mamza explained.

Following their rescue, the two priests underwent medical examinations and were confirmed to be in stable condition. All evidence recovered from the suspect is now in DSS custody.

The bishop reaffirmed the church’s commitment to working with security agencies to ensure the safety of clergy members and worshippers.

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EID-EL-FITR: IGP DISU FELICITATES MUSLIM FAITHFUL, ORDERS NATIONWIDE DEPLOYMENT OF TACTICAL ASSETS

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​The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has extended warm felicitations to the Muslim faithful across Nigeria on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

​In furtherance of his commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment during the festive period, the Inspector-General has directed Commissioners of Police and Tactical Commanders across all states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory to implement robust security arrangements.
​Operational measures include:
​Strategic deployment of tactical teams and intelligence operatives.

​Deployment of the Special Intervention Squad and conventional police personnel to Eid prayer grounds and critical infrastructure.
​Increased presence at highways, motor parks, recreational centers, and other public spaces to ensure peaceful, hitch-free celebrations.

​The IGP has also ordered heightened visibility policing, coordinated patrols, enhanced surveillance operations, and intelligence-led stop-and-search duties. These actions are aimed at proactively deterring criminal activities and ensuring a swift response to any emerging threats.

​IGP Disu calls on members of the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the following emergency lines:
​08057000001, 08057000002, 09133333785, and 09133333786.
​IGP Tunji Disu wishes all Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Fitr.

DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID psc(+) mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
20th March, 2026

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Hon Success Opara celebrates Mothering Sunday with St. Peter women, hails them as the ‘neck that controls the household

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Hon Success Opara, former councilorship candidate for Ikenegbu Ward 2, celebrated Mothering Sunday with the women of St. Peter Anglican Church, Ikenegbu, extolling them as the backbone of their households.

He described them as the “neck that controls the household,” acknowledging their vital role in shaping families and communities.

Opara’s gesture is seen as a testament to his commitment to uplifting and empowering women.

The celebration, which coincided with the Christian observance of Mothering Sunday, featured fellowship and words of encouragement from Opara, who prayed for the women’s well-being.

This event highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating mothers and mother figures in Nigerian society.

 

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“Early marriage is better than fornication” – Mixed reactions as young Nigerian couple trends after welcoming a child

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A young Nigerian couple are currently trending on Arewa social media circles after they welcomed their first child.

The pictures taken by a Kaduna-based photographer have sparked mixed reactions, with some people saying that the girl is underaged and not old enough to be a wife and mother.

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