Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Freetown (Agenzia Fides) – The parish priest of the Immaculate Conception Church in Kenema (Sierra Leone) has been murdered. Father Augustine Dauda Amadu was robbed in his home in the Burma 3 neighborhood on the outskirts of Kenema on the night of August 30. According to police, a parishioner called the local police station at 7:45 a.m. The man reported that Father Amadu had been attacked by unknown armed men in his rectory during the night.
Officers who immediately arrived found the priest's body. Investigators reported that the attackers forced their way into the house through a window. According to police, the priest was killed between 2 and 3 a.m. on the night of August 29-30.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the burglars stole anything from the house.
The motive for the murder is currently unknown. The situation remains unclear, and no suspect has yet been arrested. Meanwhile, several parishioners and church officials have given statements to investigators to shed light on the crime.
Father Amadu was very popular for his helpfulness and kindness. He was committed to helping disadvantaged youth and families, and his sermons against corruption and crime earned him great respect, but, according to parishioners, also enemies in certain circles.
Kenema is the capital of the Eastern Province of the West African state of Sierra Leone, as well as the district of the same name. Recently, the region has seen a sharp increase in violent crimes such as armed robberies and assaults, which are affecting the security of local communities.(L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 2/9/2025)
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