The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nkongsamba has issued a pastoral letter appealing for the safe release of a Catholic priest and two religious brothers who were kidnapped in Melim, Bui Division, NWR on June 27.

The priest, Fr. John Bosco Bihkong, had travelled to his native village of Melim to celebrate his first Holy Mass. While returning to Nkongsamba, he and two members of the Congregation of the Franciscan Brothers of Emmanuel were abducted by suspected separatist fighters.

In the letter, the Bishop called on the faithful and all people of goodwill to pray for their safe and unconditional release.