Sierra Leone Catholic Bishops condemn rising violence against clergy

According to the Vatican Fides news agency, the Bishops of Sierra Leone have released a statement following a recent attack against a Catholic priest.

“We, the Catholic Bishops, unequivocally condemn the chain of attacks against the Clergy, Religious and the looting of mission properties in our Dioceses," read the statement, which comes in response to rising attacks against Church personnel and institutions.

On January 27, 2025, Fr. James Joshua Jamuri, parish priest at the Rectory of the Church of Assumption of Mary in Pendembu, Upper Bambara, was attacked and suffered injuries on his hand, head, and both knees. The assailant was arrested and is in police custody.

The Bishops also recalled the brutal killing of Fr. Augustine Dauda Amadu, parish priest of the Immaculate Conception in Kenema, who was murdered on the night of August 30, 2025.

They expressed their deep solidarity and concern with the victims in the face of these frequent attacks. Fr. Amadu was attacked in his residence, leaving the Catholic community in Sierra Leone shocked.

Investigations were carried out, and so far six people have been arrested in connection with Fr. Amadu’s murder. The accused stole a laptop worth 350 dollars and 5,000 Sierra Leonean Leones in cash.