UPDATE Catholic Archbishop Decries Kidnapping of 6 Priests - 5 Now Released but 1 Remains in Captivity

In Cameroon, Africa, the Catholic Archdiocese of Bamenda, suffered from a kidnapping of six of their Catholic Priests on November 15.According to Archbishop Nkea, Father John and his vicar were kidnapped on November 15 as they were returning home after celebrating Mass for the inauguration of the PAX University Institute in Ndop. The two priests “were captured in Baba I (a village about 60 km from the city of Bamenda, along the Bamenda-Nkambe bypass, near the town of Babessi) by several armed men claiming to be separatist fighters from Ambazonia, and taken to an unknown location.” This refers to the separatists who proclaimed the independence of Northeast and Southeast Cameroon (English-speaking regions, while the rest of the country is French-speaking) on October 1, 2017, symbolically establishing the so-called Republic of Ambazonia.

Speaking after Mass on Sunday in St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV said he had “learned with immense sadness the news of the kidnappings of priests, faithful, and students in Nigeria and Cameroon.”
“I feel deep sorrow”, the Pope said, “especially for the many boys and girls who have been abducted, and for their anguished families. I make a heartfelt appeal that the hostages be immediately released, and I urge the competent authorities to take appropriate and timely decisions to ensure their liberation.”

The statement specifies that on November 18, four priests and a layperson sent to negotiate the release of the two priests were captured. The vicar, the other four priests, and the layman were released on November 20, but the kidnappers are still holding Father John, for whose release Archbishop Nkea has now threatened to suspend all pastoral activities. Because, as the Archbishop states, “the frequent kidnappings of our priests and mission personnel have put us against the wall, and all of this must end immediately.” “There are many lay people who have suffered terribly from kidnappings, torture, and violence in our Archdiocese,” recalls Archbishop Nkea, who asks the military—who should be maintaining order and protecting the population—not to torture civilians or extort money from them. “If by November 26, the captors have not released Father John, I request all the priests, religious personnel from all Catholic institutions in Ndop deanery will be closed. Priests will be evacuated for their safety, and the Blessed Sacrament will be removed from the churches.” This was announced by Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya of Bamenda, in the Northeast region of Cameroon, who said he will suspend the pastoral activities of the Archdiocese if Father John Berinyuy Tatah, parish priest of Babessi, kidnapped along with his vicar on November 15, is not released. (Fides excerpt)

The Archdiocese of Bamenda wrote on Facebook:

Archbishop Andrew Nkea, a stalwart champion of peace and justice, has issued a solemn statement regarding the abduction of priests in Ndop deanery and the unconditional release of Rev. Fr. John Berinyuy.
In his address, the Archbishop expresses profound concern for the safety and well-being of the abducted priest, emphasizing the Church's commitment to the values of compassion, love, and justice. He has stipulated specific dates for the immediate release of Rev. Fr. John Berinyuy, and has conveyed that the priests and religious of Ndop deanery will be compelled to take decisive action, including vacating Ndop, should these conditions not be met.
Archbishop Nkea reiterated the Church's resolute stance on the payment of ransoms, unequivocally affirming that it is categorically opposed to such transactions. He has called upon the faithful to stand united in solidarity with their spiritual leaders, announcing plans for a peaceful march to Baba 1, where they shall remain until Father Berinyuy is released.
The Archbishop's resolve is a testament to the Church's unshakeable commitment to the safety and dignity of all individuals, particularly those who have been abducted. His leadership and advocacy for peace and human rights serve as a beacon of hope in these trying times.
The people of God, are reminded of the duty to stand in solidarity with their spiritual leaders, to pray for the safe return of the abducted priest and to work tirelessly towards a peaceful resolution. May the words of Archbishop Nkea inspire Christians of the archdiocese of Bamenda to action, and may his unwavering commitment to justice and compassion guide them all.