Kumbo, Cameroon. “On the 6th of August, we received disturbing news from the Bishop [Kumbo] through Whatsapp, which read:
This morning the two priests of Kikaikom were taken to the camp by the boys. Fr Oliver indicated by 14h30 that Fr Francis was released and by 17h00 he said they were still negotiating the release of Fr Dieudonné. Since then I have not heard from him and attempts to reach him in vain. I pray all is well.
In effect, Father Dieudonne, CMF the Parish Priest remained with the kidnappers till the evening of the 10thof August 2019. A lot of efforts were being made by the church authorities of the Diocese of Kumbo for his release, though the kidnappers still kept him in detention for 4 days.
At the order of the Bishop, the Blessed Sacrament has been removed from the Parish and all activities suspended there till further notice.
Father Dieudonne is presently taking treatment in the Hospital and getting a well-deserved rest. Arrangements are being made to get him post traumatic therapy.
All through the period of his detention, we felt the closeness of Msgr. George Nkuo, Bishop of Kumbo. The whole Congregation organized daily prayers and masses for him.
We had trust in God’s mercy and were animated by these words from the Psalmist: ‘In God I trust I shall not fear what can mortal man do to me?’ Psalm 56:11″
Written by: Fr. Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang, CMF
Major Superior of Cameroun Independent Delegation
