Yaounde: The Catholic Church in Cameroon has appealed for prayers after a Catholic priest and two religious sisters were kidnapped by unidentified armed men in the country's troubled North West Region, an area that has been affected by years of violence linked to the Anglophone crisis.
According to Church officials, the three were travelling through the region when they were intercepted and taken away by armed attackers. The Diocese expressed deep concern over their safety and urged the faithful to remain united in prayer while efforts continue to secure their safe return.
The latest abduction has once again drawn attention to the growing security challenges faced by priests, nuns and other religious workers serving communities in the conflict affected English speaking regions of Cameroon. Church leaders said they remain hopeful that those responsible will release the captives unharmed.
The North West and South West regions have witnessed frequent attacks, kidnappings and clashes since the Anglophone conflict began in 2017. The crisis started with protests by English speaking lawyers and teachers before escalating into an armed separatist movement that has claimed thousands of lives and forced many people from their homes.
Religious leaders have often found themselves caught in the middle of the conflict. Priests, nuns and missionaries regularly travel to remote villages to celebrate Mass, provide education, offer healthcare and support displaced families. Their work has made them respected members of local communities, but it has also exposed them to serious risks as violence continues across the region.
Church authorities have not identified those responsible for the latest kidnapping, and no group has officially claimed responsibility. They have also not disclosed whether the abductors have made any demands or established contact with Church officials.
The incident comes at a time when several other attacks targeting Catholic clergy have raised concern across Cameroon. In another recent case, Father John Bosco Bihkong of the Diocese of Nkongsamba and two members of the Fraternity of Franciscans of Emmanuel were kidnapped after visiting the priest's home village following the celebration of his first Mass after ordination. Church authorities continue to pray and work for their safe release.
Earlier in June, two Catholic priests, two religious sisters and several civilians, including an elderly Dutch missionary, were abducted while returning from an ordination ceremony in the North West Region. They were released about a day later after the kidnappers reportedly said their action was intended to send a political message rather than seek ransom.
These repeated incidents have highlighted the difficult conditions under which many members of the Church continue to serve. Despite the security risks, priests and religious sisters remain committed to providing spiritual care and humanitarian support to people living in conflict affected communities.
Catholic bishops in Cameroon have repeatedly condemned attacks on civilians and religious personnel. They have called on all parties involved in the conflict to respect human life, protect places of worship and allow humanitarian and pastoral work to continue without fear or violence.
The Church has also urged the international community not to overlook the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the country's English speaking regions. Years of conflict have disrupted education, healthcare and economic activity, while many families continue to live in displacement after fleeing their homes.
As concern grows over the safety of the kidnapped priest and the two nuns, Catholics across Cameroon and beyond have joined in prayer for their safe return. Church leaders have appealed to the faithful to remain hopeful and continue supporting efforts aimed at bringing peace and reconciliation to a region that has endured years of instability and suffering.