Sierra Leone: Report shows how compassionate priest was killed

Fr Augustine Amadu

Source: ACN

An autopsy has revealed how a priest in Sierra Leone was murdered by armed men who broke into his parish's presbytery.

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)'s project partner Father Augustine Amadu was attacked at the Immaculate Conception parish, in Sierra Leone's Kenama Diocese, last Saturday (August 30th).

The autopsy report shows the priest received a heavy blow to the head before being strangled to death.

Police believe his attackers entered the house through a damaged window. He was found dead by parishioners the following day.

After five years at Immaculate Conception Church, Father Amadu was about to celebrate his farewell Mass on Sunday, 31st August, before moving to St John's, Kailalune.

ACN had provided the new roof for Immaculate Conception Church. Ulrich Kny, the charity's project director for Sierra Leone, who visited the priest at the parish in 2022, expressed shock at the priest's death.

Mr Kny said: "It is very sad that he has become the victim of such terrible violence. We wish to express our deepest condolences to all people affected by Father Augustine's sudden death, especially his family and friends, his brothers in priesthood, his parishioners at Immaculate Conception Parish as well as all the people of God in the Diocese of Kenema.

"Together with you, we are praying for the repose of his soul with the sure hope that he may enjoy the eternal life in the grace of the merciful God, as is promised to all his children. May God reward him abundantly for all his commitment to the Church in your country."

The investigation and search for the perpetrators are ongoing.

Fr Augustine's death was condemned by other religious groups. In a statement, the Interreligious Council of Sierra Leone said: "Father Amadu was a man of peace, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the spiritual and social upliftment of his community.

"His untimely death is not only a devastating loss to the Catholic Church but also to the broader religious bodies and social fabric of Sierra Leone. We mourn the passing of a servant of God whose life was dedicated to fostering unity, hope, and moral guidance."

LINK

Aid to the Church in Need: https://acnuk.org