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Catholic diocese appeals for prayers after priest, 2 Franciscan brothers kidnapped in Cameroon

July 2, 2026 · 1 min read

NKONGSAMBA, Cameroon — The Catholic Diocese of Nkongsamba in Cameroon 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 June 30 statement, the vicar general of the diocese announced that Father John Bosco Bihkong, a priest serving in the Diocese of Nkongsamba, and two FFE members were kidnapped the night of June 27.

According to Father Joseph Tchinda Dountio, Bihkong 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 Brother Sylvester Sewong, guardian of the FFE convent in Kékem, and Brother 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,” Dountio said.

He said the local ordinary, Bishop Dieudonné Espoir Atangana , is appealing for prayers for their safe release.

“Bishop Dieudonné invites the people of God, as well as all people of goodwill, to pray and…

Source: Catholic News Agency · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (14) 🌐 Show original

Anca Tudor

I thought about how our priest told us about similar abductions in Nigeria last year when he was on mission. May God protect those trapped in Melim.

Vladimir Ilić

There is talk of the first mass in Melim, and in our country the first mass of our priests is also mentioned, as was the case with Fr. Jovan in Saint Sava. What does this mean for us to pray together for their safe return?

Ioana Stan

How nice that we remember Pope Ion's story from last year, when he also spoke about the dangers he encountered in the mission in Africa. May God take care of our priest and the people of Cameroon.

Екатерина Волкова

I remember how in Yaroslavl the priest talked about the first day in the village after the funeral service - it was scary that they wanted to take Father Bosco prisoner in his native Melim, where he offered prayers for the first time.

Василий Комаров

Yes, in my native village after the first liturgy - and so on. Here in Krasnodar, too, one priest told how, after serving in the village, he was almost ambushed by local reckless drivers. We will pray that they will be released quickly and without harm.

Ana Lungu

Yes, I also remembered the father's words about that village in Nigeria where they kidnapped two catechists right during the service. May God keep Father Bihkong and the brothers from Melim, because those places seem more and more dangerous. Have you heard anything about them since then?

Petru Dumitrescu

Ana, yes, I also remember that story in Nigeria, with the catechists taken from the church itself. The places in Melim and North-West seem more and more unsafe with so many kidnappings. Any news on them since then, or are we still waiting?

Anca Dumitrescu

Yes, Ana, I also thought of that story from Nigeria when I read by Melim. Father Bihkong had just started his ministry there, I find it very sad. Have you heard if they have demanded any ransom yet?

Marius Florea

Yes, Peter, I also read about those catechists in Nigeria, kidnapped right during the service. Melim seems more and more dangerous, especially after they came from Kékem especially for the father's first mass. Let's hope that the prayers requested by Bishop Dieudonné Espoir Atangana bear fruit quickly. Have you heard anything concrete from local sources yet?

Ilie Ionescu

Yes, Marius, I also saw that they came especially from Kékem for Father Bihkong's first liturgy, exactly in Melim, a place that seems increasingly unsafe. The prayers of Bishop Dieudonné Espoir Atangana are the only weapon we have now. Any idea if their families have heard directly from their captors yet?

Andreea Matei

Yes, Peter, I also read about those catechists in Nigeria, kidnapped right from the church. Melim and that area in the North-West became too risky, especially since the brothers came especially from Kékem for Father Bihkong's first mass. What do you think, should we also ask our choir for a special prayer next Sunday?

Nicolae Gheorghiu

Yes Peter, I saw that news from Nigeria too, it was terrible to take them right in the middle of the job. Here in Melim they came especially from Kékem for Father Bihkong's first mass, as if they chose the worst moment. Do you think that Bishop Dieudonné Espoir Atangana should also ask for help from the authorities, not just prayers?

Viorica Popa

Yes, Nicolae, the moment chosen right after the first liturgy in his native village seems calculated to hit harder. I say that prayer is the first step, but Bishop Dieudonné would do well to involve the local authorities as well, because without them we risk that nothing will move. What have you heard about the situation in the North West lately?

Corina Tudor

Yes, the moment seems maliciously chosen, right after the first liturgy. I think that prayer helps the most, but you are right, Bishop Dieudonné should also knock on the door of the local authorities in the North West, otherwise it may take too long. Have you read anything specific about what is happening there now?