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.
