Sierra Leone priest murdered in his home

Father Augustine Dauda Amadu, a Catholic priest serving in the eastern Sierra Leone city of Kenema, was murdered in his home during the night of Aug. 30, Agenzia Fides reported. 

Fr. Amadu was assigned to Immaculate Conception Church, located in the Burma 3 neighborhood on the outskirts of the city. He had been preparing to leave Kenema for a new pastoral assignment in Kailahun, with a farewell Mass scheduled for Aug. 31, according to a press release from the Diocese of Kenema. He was expected to begin his new ministry the following day.

According to police, the attack likely occurred between 2 and 3 a.m. and involved forced entry through a window. A parishioner contacted local authorities around 7:45 a.m. after discovering signs of violence. Responding officers found Fr. Amadu dead in his rectory.

Investigators have not yet confirmed whether anything was taken from the home. No suspects have been arrested, and the motive for the killing remains unknown. Law enforcement is conducting interviews with parishioners and church staff members to gather further details.

Father Amadu was known in the community for his generosity and his outreach to poor families and youth, according to Agenzia Fides. Parishioners also recalled his outspoken preaching on issues such as corruption and crime — views they believe earned him both admiration and criticism.

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