Abuja, 16 May, 2025 / 8:51 pm (ACI Africa).
Archbishop Faustin Ambassa Ndjodo of Cameroon’s Catholic Archdiocese of Garoua has expressed “great relief” following the safe release of Fr. Valentin Mbaïbarem, who had been kidnapped on May 7, with abductors reportedly demanding a ransom in order to free him.
In a statement issued Friday, May 16, on behalf of the Local Ordinary of the Cameroonian Metropolitan See, the Chancellor expresses gratitude for solidarity during the ordeal.
In the statement, Fr. Emmanuel Bonkou announces with “great relief” the Friday, May 16 release of Fr. Mbaïbarem, who serves as Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Madingring Parish of Garoua Archdiocese, after eight days of captivity.
Fr. Bonkou extends the appreciation of Archbishop Ndjodo to “all those who offered prayers for this cause and invokes the Lord's blessing upon all who contributed to this outcome.”
Fr. Mbaïbarem was taken hostage on the road between Guidjiba and Tcholliré in Cameroon’s northern region, the Chancellor of Garoua Archdiocese announced in an earlier statement.
