Father Augustine Amadu, a dedicated servant of Immaculate Conception Parish in Kenema, Sierra Leone was attacked in his parish residence.
Newsroom (03/09/2025, Gaudium Press ) A Catholic priest in Diocese of Kenema in Sierra Leone was viciously killed on Aug. 30, casting a pall of grief over the local Catholic community as he prepared to transition to a new pastoral role. Father Augustine Amadu, a dedicated servant of Immaculate Conception Parish in Kenema, was attacked in his parish residence by suspected robbers, just one day before his scheduled farewell Mass on Sunday, Aug. 31.
The Archdiocese of Freetown’s communication department confirmed the tragic news in a statement released on Sunday morning. “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,” the statement read. Father Amadu, who had served faithfully at Immaculate Conception Parish for five years, was preparing to take up a new assignment at St. John Parish in Kailahun, within the same diocese.
According to the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the attack occurred under the cover of night at the parish house, where Father Amadu resided alone. Parishioners discovered the crime and alerted authorities at approximately 7:43 a.m. on Aug. 30. The police report detailed a violent scene, noting that unidentified assailants gained entry to the residence by forcing their way through a damaged window. “At this stage, it is unclear whether any property was taken away by the perpetrators,” the SLP stated, adding that Father Amadu’s remains have been transported for a post-mortem examination to determine the precise cause of death.
The brutal killing has left the Catholic community in Kenema reeling, with parishioners and church leaders mourning the loss of a priest known for his devotion and service. Father Amadu’s tenure at Immaculate Conception Parish was marked by his commitment to pastoral care, community outreach, and spiritual leadership, according to church officials. His impending transfer to St. John Parish in Kailahun was seen as an opportunity to extend his ministry to another community in need.
As of Aug. 30, no suspects have been identified in connection with the murder, though the SLP has launched a full-scale investigation. Several parishioners and church authorities who arrived for early morning services on the day of the discovery are cooperating with law enforcement to provide any relevant information. “The Sierra Leone Police wishes 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 SLP declared in its official statement.
The murder of Father Amadu underscores the challenges faced by clergy in regions grappling with security concerns. Sierra Leone, a nation still recovering from the scars of a decade-long civil war that ended in 2002, continues to face issues of crime and violence in certain areas. The Diocese of Kenema, located in the country’s eastern region, serves a diverse population, and its clergy often work in isolated conditions, making them vulnerable to such attacks.
Church leaders have called for prayers and solidarity in the wake of the tragedy. The Archdiocese of Freetown expressed its deep sorrow and urged the faithful to support one another during this period of mourning. “Father Amadu was wrapping up his final days of pastoral work at Immaculate Conception Parish, preparing for his farewell Mass before departing for his new assignment,” the archdiocese noted, emphasizing the priest’s dedication to his calling.
The investigation into Father Amadu’s death is ongoing, with police appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the apprehension of those responsible. The Catholic community, meanwhile, is left to grapple with the loss of a beloved priest whose life was cut short in an act of senseless violence. As the Diocese of Kenema prepares to bid farewell to Father Amadu in a manner far different from what was planned, the call for justice and peace resonates deeply across Sierra Leone.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
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