Sierra Leone priest killed hours before farewell Mass

A Catholic priest in Sierra Leone has been murdered in his parish residence just hours before he was due to celebrate a farewell Mass and begin a new mission.

Father Augustine Dauda Amadu, parish priest of the Immaculate Conception Church in Kenema, Sierra Leone, was killed on the night of 29 August. He was due to transfer to St John’s Parish, Kailahun, after five years of ministry in Kenema.

The Archdiocese of Freetown confirmed the news in a statement on Sunday. “We are saddened by the shocking news reaching us this morning about the demise of Reverend Father Augustine Amadu, who was stabbed to death by armed robbers at his parish house in Kenema Diocese,” it said.

The statement explained that Fr Amadu had been preparing for his farewell Mass on Sunday, 31 August. “Fr Amadu was wrapping up his final days of his pastoral work at Immaculate Conception Parish, preparing for his farewell Mass before departing for his new assignment at St John Parish, Kailahun,” it said.

Police in Sierra Leone said parishioners discovered signs of forced entry into the priest’s residence and raised the alarm early on Saturday morning. “At about 07:43 hours, the SLP received a report from a Catholic parishioner indicating that Rev Fr Amadu had been attacked overnight by unidentified armed men at his parish residence,” a police statement said. “The parish house, which the late priest occupied alone, was forcibly entered by the assailants through a damaged window.”

Investigators said it was unclear whether anything was taken in the raid. The priest’s remains were taken to Kenema Government Hospital for a post-mortem examination. As of 30 August, no suspects had been identified, though parishioners and clergy arriving for early morning service were assisting police with inquiries.

“The Sierra Leone Police wish to assure the public, particularly the Catholic community, that a full-scale investigation is underway to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice,” the statement added.

The Diocese of Kenema expressed deep sorrow over the killing. Bishop Henry Aruna called on Catholics to remain united in prayer and urged the authorities to safeguard Christian communities. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sierra Leone is expected to issue a joint message of condolence in the coming days.

Parishioners described Fr Amadu as a respected pastor dedicated to serving young people and vulnerable families. Hundreds of faithful gathered at the Immaculate Conception Church following news of his death, singing hymns and praying in his memory. A requiem Mass will be celebrated later this week.

Although Catholics form a minority in Sierra Leone, the Church plays a prominent role in education, healthcare, and social life. The killing of Fr Amadu has shocked the wider community in Kenema, a city of 155,000 in the country’s eastern region, already grappling with rising insecurity and violent robberies.

(Photo credit: SEYLLOU/AFP via Getty Images)

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