Kenema: Shock and grief have engulfed the Catholic community in Sierra Leone following the murder of Father Augustine Dauda Amadu, parish priest of the Immaculate Conception Church in Kenema. The priest was killed on the night of August 29, just hours before he was to celebrate a farewell Mass ahead of his reassignment to St. John’s Parish in Kailahun.

According to police reports, unknown assailants broke into Father Amadu’s residence through a window and fatally stabbed him. The Sierra Leone Police said they were alerted to the incident on the morning of August 30 after parishioners noticed signs of forced entry. The priest’s body was taken to the Kenema Government Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any belongings were stolen during the attack, and no suspects have been identified so far.

Father Amadu, who had served in Kenema for five years, was widely known for his dedication to pastoral work and his service to families and young people. His sudden death has left parishioners devastated, with hundreds gathering at the church to pray and mourn his loss.

Bishop Henry Aruna of Kenema expressed deep sorrow over the killing and urged the faithful to remain united in prayer while calling on authorities to strengthen security for Christian communities. The Archdiocese of Freetown also paid tribute to Father Amadu’s commitment to his mission, while the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sierra Leone is expected to release a joint message of condolence in the coming days.

The killing comes amid growing concerns over violent robberies and insecurity in Kenema, a city of around 155,000 people in eastern Sierra Leone. While Catholics make up a minority of the population, the Church plays a vital role in education, healthcare, and social services.

A requiem Mass in honor of Father Amadu is expected later this week as the diocese and community continue to grieve the loss of a much-loved pastor.