Sierra Leone Catholic Bishops condemn rising violence against clergy

By Sr. Christine Masivo, CPS

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.

Attacks

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.

Unwavering solidarity

The Bishops noted that, six months after Fr. Chinedu’s murder and the assault of Fr. Jamiru, theft and robberies have increased, targeting the Church's mission stations and properties.

These incidents have deprived the community of essential services, especially the vulnerable and the poor.

Reaffirming “their unwavering solidarity with the priests, religious, and lay faithful who have been traumatized by armed robberies, invasions of their residences, and the looting of mission properties,” the Bishops declared that “this is enough!”

They concluded their statement with a forceful appeal to law enforcement authorities and the police to take concrete measures to prevent further violence and to ensure the safety of the clergy, religious communities, and Church institutions throughout Sierra Leone.