Kidnapped priests: a large ransom demanded before any release
Kidnapped priests: a large ransom demanded before any release
We announced it, several people have been kidnapped in NOSO by Ambazonians. This kidnapping follows an attack on the Mamfe Catholic Church last week.
There are 9 people kidnapped including Catholic priests and other material damage including the completely burned church.
In an emergency meeting, the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (CENC) made it clear that the attackers did not claim to belong to any separatist group.
Instead, they demanded money to free their hostages. The exact amount was not disclosed. “The kidnappers are asking for money. They did not say which camp they belonged to,” said Reverend Humphrey Tatah Mbuy, spokesperson for the conference.
“This is the first time we have seen such an attack. There have already been kidnappings of clerics in the past, but these were isolated cases. There, an attack like this which seems planned, the church set on fire, nine people kidnapped, it is a unique case, ”he added.
5 priests Kidnapped in Nchang: the Catholic Church threatens
On behalf of the bishops of the ecclesiastical province of Bamenda, the president of the Provincial Episcopal Conference of Bamenda, Mgr Andrew Nkea, condemned the fire of the Catholic Church of Saint Mary in Nchang, Mamfe, in the South West region.
The bishops asked the arsonists to release the abductees without preconditions and as soon as possible. The kidnappers took with them five priests, a nun and two lay Christians abducted in Friday’s attack. CNA has learned that two priests are from Nigeria.
In a statement, the Archbishop said attacks on the Church hierarchy have become the main concern of those behind the “struggle”. It is clear that it refers to those fighting for the independence of the North West and South West regions of Cameroon. He added that the attacks are not only targeting Catholics, but also Presbyterians and Baptists.
The bishops have advised those commanding the kidnappers from home or abroad to repent of their bad habits. Like King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon who was sent to the grass to feed like oxen after burning down the Temple in Jerusalem and looting it and then taking away the priest, Archbishop Nkea says arsonists are following in his footsteps and could experience the same anger.
