The body of a Cameroonian bishop has been found by a fisherman three days after he disappeared.

Bishop Jean-Marie Benoit Balla of Bafia was declared missing earlier this week when his car was found near the Sanaha river. A note was found inside reading: “Do not look for me! I am in the river.”

The African edition of La Croix reports authorities are now investigating whether the note is genuine.

Cameroon was witnessed numerous unsolved murders of Catholic priests in recent years, with Islamist group Boko Haram also accused of kidnapping and killing priests and nuns in the country.

The Cameroon Bishops' Conference has asked for prayers to find the bishop, saying the police “have not found any sign of violence or blood” in his car.