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On October 7, a tragic event shocked the Christian communities in Cameroon and Togo. Father Christophe Komla Badjougou, a Togolese Fidei Donum priest, was brutally shot dead in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon. This horrific crime took place in the evening, in front of the gate of the Missionaries of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM) in Mvolyé, a well-known neighborhood in the capital.

In response to this tragedy, Archbishop Jean Mbarga of Yaoundé expressed his deep sorrow and condolences. “In this sad circumstance, the Archdiocese of Yaoundé extends its sincere condolences to Father Christophe’s family, his friends, and the faithful of the Diocese of Yagoua,” he stated. The archbishop also called on the Christian community to pray for the soul of the late priest.

This tragedy has deeply affected not only the faithful of the Yaoundé Archdiocese but also those of the Diocese of Yagoua, where Father Christophe served. Described as a man of faith and dedication, his untimely death leaves an immense void.

According to Cameroonian authorities, Father Christophe’s assassination occurred during a robbery. Footage from security cameras placed at the crime scene helped reconstruct the events. A police officer, who shared the details with the press, revealed that the priest had been dropped off in front of the CICM gate by a motorcycle coming from “Dakar en bas.” Shortly after, two individuals on a motorcycle turned around near the gate, where an altercation took place between them and the priest. After stealing his bag, one of the assailants fired several shots, killing Father Christophe on the spot.

Father Christophe Komla Badjougou was a vicar at the Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Zouzoui, in the Diocese of Yagoua, located in the Far North region of Cameroon. He was passing through Yaoundé, preparing to travel to Italy for a year of training. A member of the Workers of the Silent Cross, a community inspired by Blessed Luigi Novarese, Father Christophe had dedicated his life to the service of God and others.

Originally from Togo, he was ordained a priest in 2013 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Trinity in Atakpamé. In 2014, he became a member of the Workers of the Silent Cross and joined the community in Mouda. His ministry as a trainer and parish priest in Zouzoui was marked by his commitment to the faithful and his profound desire to serve.

Father Christophe’s death leaves a deep void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. A devoted and humble priest, he touched the communities where he served with his unwavering faith and pastoral dedication. As the Christian community mourns his loss, they continue to pray for his soul to rest in peace and for justice to be served.

May Father Christophe Komla Badjougou find grace in God’s light and rest in eternal peace.

Rev. Fr. George Nwachukwu
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