A Catholic priest has been killed in Sierra Leone after armed men broke into his parish residence in the eastern city of Kenema, police have confirmed.
Reverend Father Augustine Dauda Amadu of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Burma 3 section, was found dead on Saturday morning following an overnight attack.
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) said unidentified assailants forcibly entered the priest’s residence through a damaged window. Father Amadu, who lived alone, was attacked during the incident.
His body was later taken to Kenema Government Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination. It is not yet clear whether the attackers stole any property.
“No suspects have been arrested yet; however, a number of parishioners and church authorities who reported for early morning service are currently assisting police with statements,” the SLP said in a statement.
Police said a full-scale investigation was under way to bring those responsible to justice.
The killing has shocked the Catholic community in Kenema and beyond, where Father Amadu was a well-known local parish priest.
The incident comes days after police in Bo, southern Sierra Leone, arrested a man identified as Rodney Massaquoi and his wife, Mamie Jacob, in connection with illegal weapons and other items allegedly linked to security threats. Items recovered from their home included a single-barrel gun, an empty rifle magazine, operations uniforms, boots, and knives. Both suspects remain in custody.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and support law enforcement by providing any useful information related to the case.
