A priest attached to the Catholic Diocese of Yola, Very Rev. Oliver Buba, who was recently abducted by unknown gunmen in Adamawa State, has regained freedom.
Buba, as earlier reported by The Guardian, was abducted on May 21, 2024 at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Bare community in the Numan Local Government Council of the state.
Announcing his release on Thursday, the leadership of the church, in a statement, said, “With our hearts full of joy and thanksgiving, we wish to inform the general public that Very Rev. Fr. Oliver Buba has regained his freedom.”
He was said to have been released by his abductors in the early hours of today, Thursday.
In the statement, the Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Mamza, thanked and appreciated all the men and women of goodwill for their prayers and show of solidarity during the trying and challenging moments of the church.
Though our correspondent could not ascertain whether a ransom was paid for his release, The Guardian, however, learned he was released unhurt.
A member of the church who spoke with our correspondent said the collaborative efforts of the security operatives and the Catholic community facilitated the release of the reverend gentleman.
Elated by the development, worshipers who spoke with our state correspondent attributed his release to divine intervention.
The church, according to them, has been on its bended knees, praying and fasting fervently for the release of the priest.
To avoid future occurrences, they said, it has become necessary for the state government and security operatives to work hand in hand to put in place mechanisms that will frustrate kidnappers.
