Yaounde: Police launches manhunt for killers of Yagoua Diocese priest.

According to a statement issued by the Archdiocese of Yaounde, Father Komla was killed in cold blood on the night of October 7, 2024 in Yaounde.

“He was shot dead at about 7.30p.m. by gangsters in front of the gate of the Missionaries of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, CICM in Mvolyé,” part of the statement signed by the Archbishop of Yaounde, His Grace Jean Mbarga read.

The statement furthered that security forces were immediately alerted and they opened investigations to clarify the details of the murder. 

The priest of Togolese origin was reportedly en route to Rome, Italy, and decided to spend the night in Yaounde before taking his flight that was scheduled for the next day.

Reports add the man of God alighted from a taxi he hired at Mvolyé, Yaounde III Subdivision but unbeknownst to him, he was followed by a motorcycle. 

Unknown gunmen on the motorcycle attacked the priest and shot him five times at point blank range. The shots are said to have hit the priest in the abdomen, arm and heart, killing him instantly.

The Archbishop of the Yaounde Diocese ordered that the priest’s mortal remains be taken to the morgue of the Yaounde Central Hospital.

Yaounde Archdiocese condemns act

Following the tragic event, the Archdiocese of Yaounde through the issued statement firmly condemned all forms of aggression, violence and murder. 

The statement further reminded the collective conscience that all human life is sacred and inviolable. The archdiocese also seized the opportunity sympathize with their brethren in Yagoua.

“In communion with His Lordship Barthélémy Yaouda and the people of God of the Diocese of Yagoua, the Archdiocese of Yaounde expresses its deep sorrow at the death of Father Christophe Badjogou Komla. On this sad occasion, the Archdiocese of Yaounde expresses its sincere condolences to the family of Father Christophe, to his friends and to the faithful of the Diocese of Yagoua,” the statement read.

Jean Mbarga in the statement further invited the Christian community to pray that the deceased priest finds favour with God. Father Christophe trained at seminary of Douala, before being sent to work for the Diocese of Yagoua as Fidei Donum.

It is worth mentioning that the assassination of Father Christophe Badjogou Komla adds to the list of other Catholic Priests in Cameroon who had met a similar fate notably His Lordship Plumey, Father Engelbert Mveng, His Lordship Jean Marie Benoit Bala just to name a few.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3255 of Thursday October 10, 2024