AUTHORITIES In Tanzania Have Dismissed Claims That The Disappearance Of Father Camillus Nikata From The Songea Catholic Archdiocese Was Linked To Kidnapping Or Government Involvement. The Clarification Comes After Opposition Figures And Activists Raised Concerns Online About The Priest’s Safety. According To A Statement Issued On October 11, 2025, By Archbishop Damian Denis Dallu, Father Nikata Left The Priests’ Residence In Songea While Preparing To Return To His Post In Mwanza After Attending A Retreat In Dodoma.
Regional Police Commander SACP Marco Chilya Later Confirmed That Father Nikata Was Found On October 17 In Mawa Village, Namtumbo District, In A Weak Condition. Investigations Revealed That His Disappearance Was Caused By Severe Stress Related To Heavy Debts And Personal Relationship Challenges. Police Said The Priest Had Been Struggling Financially And Emotionally After A Nine-Year Relationship Ended. Reports Also Showed He Had Spent More Than Tzs 39 Million Between June And September 2025 Supporting His Former Partner.
Commander Chilya Added That Father Nikata Had Long Suffered From Eye Problems, Requiring Surgery On Both Eyes, But Lacked Funds For The Second Operation. The Priest Had Reportedly Considered Leaving The Clergy Due To Poor Health, Financial Difficulties, And Emotional Strain, But His Request Had Not Been Formally Addressed. Police Confirmed That He Was Not Abducted But Had Isolated Himself Because Of Psychological Distress. He Is Currently Recovering At Songea Regional Referral Hospital.
The Incident Sparked Widespread Debate, With Citizens Urging Calm And Caution Against Spreading Unverified Information Online. Several Residents, Including Those In Dar Es Salaam And Mbagala, Said The Case Shows The Danger Of Misinformation Spread By Activists And Opposition Supporters, Particularly Those Living Abroad. They Encouraged Tanzanians To Trust Official Investigations And National Security Institutions, Warning That False Reports Can Divide Society And Damage Peace.