Togolese Catholic Priest Ministering in Cameroon Shot Dead, Yaoundé Archdiocese Condoles with Bereaved

Yaounde, 08 October, 2024 / 10:53 PM

Fr. Christophe Badjogou Komla, a Togolese Catholic Priest incardinated in Cameroon’s Catholic Diocese of Yagoua, was shot and killed by alleged criminals on the night of Monday, October 7 in the Catholic Archdiocese of Yaoundé in the Central African nation. 

The fatal attack reportedly occurred at about 7:30 p.m., in front of the residence of the Missionaries of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM) at Mvolyé in the neighborhood of the capital city of Cameroon, Yaoundé.

Fr. Komla, who has been the Parish Priest of Sts. Peter and Paul Zouzoui Parish of the Diocese of Yagoua was reportedly shot three times by his assailants. Two individuals on a motorcycle attempted to snatch his bag and opened fire as he approached the CICM gate. He was scheduled to travel to Italy.

In a statement issued Tuesday, October 8, the Local Ordinary of Yaoundé Archdiocese, Archbishop Jean Mbarga, expresses “deep sorrow” following the passing on of Fr. Komla and says he is in solidarity with Bishop Barthélemy Yaouda Hourgo and the people of God in Yagoua Diocese.

“On this sorrowful occasion, the Archdiocese of Yaoundé offers its heartfelt condolences to the family of Father Christophe, to his friends, and to the faithful of the Diocese of Yagoua,” Archbishop Mbarga says.

The Cameroonian Catholic Archbishop invites the people of God to “pray for his soul, that he may find favor with God.”

“The authorities have been notified and are actively investigating the details of this murder,” the Local Ordinary of Yaoundé says, and adds, “The Archdiocese of Yaoundé strongly condemns all forms of aggression, violence, and murder, and reminds the public that all human life is sacred and inviolable.”