Society

Ngoketunjia: Kidnapped Priest regains freedom after two weeks in captivity.

by Mboh Promise
06 Dec 2025 10:41
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Rev Fr John Berinyuy

The Parish Priest of Babessi and Vice Chancellor of the recently inaugurated PAX University Institute, Rev Father John Berinyuy Tatah, has regained his freedom after spending two harrowing weeks in captivity.
He was released on Tuesday, December 2.

His release was announced by the Archbishop of Bamenda, His Grace Andrew Nkea.

His release has brought relief to the Catholic community and residents of Ngoketunjia Division who had been praying for his safety.

Fr John Berinyuy was abducted on November 15, along with his assistant. The prelate was kidnapped by armed men believed to be Ambazonia fighters.

He was ambushed as he returned from the inauguration of the PAX university institute in Ndop, Ngoketunjia Division.

While the other captives were freed shortly afterward, Fr. John Berinyuy remained in captivity.

His prolonged captivity sparked several reactions, particularly after Archbishop of Bamenda, Andrew Nkea, issued a strong press release on November 23, outlining tough measures the Church would take if the priest was not released.

The Archbishop had vowed to shut down all parishes, schools, and Catholic institutions in Ndop Deanery, remove the Blessed Sacrament from tabernacles, and even lead a march to Baba I, where the priest was believed to be held, in case the situation remain unchanged.

But as the deadlines came and passed, yet none of the actions were carried out. Ndop Deanery continued operating normally, with regular masses, open schools, and no withdrawal of clergy, leaving many questioning the Archbishop’s decision.

After two weeks in captivity, the situation changed on Tuesday when Archbishop Nkea announced Fr John Berinyuy’s safe return.

In a pastoral letter, he expressed joy and gratitude to God, acknowledging the prayers and solidarity shown by Christians across the Ecclesiastical Province of Bamenda and beyond.

Archbishop Nkea also extended special thanks to Pope Leo XIV for publicly highlighting the priest’s plight during the Angelus prayer, as well as to the Christians of Baba I, particularly members of the Catholic Women Association, for their courageous intervention in prayers.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3646 of Friday December 05, 2025