By Our Correspondent, Ruvuma.
The Ruvuma Regional Police Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Marco Chilya, has confirmed that Father Camillius Nikata of the Songea Archdiocese, who also lectures at St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) in Mwanza, went missing voluntarily and was not kidnapped as earlier reported by the media.
Commander Chilya told reporters that police investigations led to the discovery of Father Nikata in farmlands near his home village of Mawa, in Hanga Ward, Ruvuma Region.
The priest was found weak and hungry but without any injuries. He had all his belongings, including his backpack, money, keys and TZS 13,500 in cash.
“The priest was not abducted. He disappeared on his own due to personal and emotional problems,” said Commander Chilya. “He was exhausted and starving but in safe condition when we found him.”
According to the police chief, Father Nikata was struggling with emotional stress following the end of a nine-year romantic relationship with a 28-year-old woman.
Despite spending large amounts of money on her, including over TZS 39 million between June and September this year from his CRDB Bank account, the relationship ended in early July.
“These financial pressures left him without enough money even for his eye treatment,” Commander Chilya said, adding that the priest had recently left his job and seemed to feel misunderstood by his superiors.
The police further discovered that Father Nikata was also burdened with debts he could not repay. Investigations confirmed that several people had been demanding payment from him.
Commander Chilya said police have ruled out kidnapping or any criminal involvement, concluding that the priest’s disappearance resulted from emotional distress and financial strain.