Reverend Father Oliver Buba, who spent nine days in captivity, has shared his ordeal recounting how he was finally released by his abductors in the early hours of last Thursday.
Father Buba was kidnapped on May 21, 2024, at his rectory in Saint Rita’s Catholic Church, Bare, in Adamawa State’s Numan Local Government Area. In a statement released in Yola, the Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Reverend Dr. Stephen Mamza, expressed gratitude for the prayers and support of priests, men, and women who stood with the church during this challenging time.”
“I wish to thank and appreciate all the men and women of goodwill for your prayers and show of solidarity during our trying and challenging moments, may the good Lord bestow His blessings and peace upon you all.”
However, a source close to the Saint Rita’s Parish Catholic Church, Bare Numan Local Government Area from where the Rev Father Buba was abducted told journalists that an undisclosed amount of money was paid as ransom before the priest was released.
The source who did not want his name in print because “we have all been warned not to talk about the issue to the press or anyone,” said that the church was not directly involved in the negotiation for the release of the priest.
But Father Buba, he simply said that he was not aware of what transpired before his release.
“I don’t know what exactly happened. All I know is that my abductors brought me to the roadside and handed me over to people that I don’t even know. That was how I was taken home,” he said.
Several phone calls were put across to the Police Public Pelations Officer of Adamawa Police Command, SP Suleiman Nguroje, but he did not pick any of the calls for comments.