Catholic Diocese Appeals for Prayers after Priest, Two Franciscan Brothers Kidnapped in Cameroon

Nkongsamba, 01 July, 2026 / 4:10 pm (ACI Africa).

Cameroon’s Catholic Diocese of Nkongsamba has appealed for prayers for the safe release of a Priest and two members of the Fraternity of Franciscans of Emmanuel (FFE) who were abducted in the country’s North-West Region.

In a Tuesday, June 30 statement, the Vicar General of the Cameroonian Episcopal See announced that Fr. John Bosco Bihkong, a Priest serving in the Diocese of Nkongsamba, and two FFE members were kidnapped during the night of June 27.

According to Mons. Joseph Tchinda Dountio, Fr. Bihkong had traveled to his native village of Melim, near Ndop in the North-West Region of Cameroon, to celebrate his first Mass on Friday, June 26.

He was accompanied by Br. Sylvester Sewong, Guardian of the FFE convent in Kékem, and Br. Marie Rodrigue Sop, who is preparing for perpetual profession. The three were abducted the following night.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way,” Mons. Dountio said.