The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mamfe, Mgr Aloysius Abangalo Fondong, has strongly condemned a horrific attack that occurred in Egbekaw, Mamfe, in the South West Region of Cameroon yesterday.
This tragic incident, which resulted in the loss of over 20 lives, both young and old, took place in the early hours of Monday, November 6, 2023.
At least four houses were burnt and seven people injured after gunmen suspected to be separatist fighters attacked the community.
In a statement issued yesterday, Bishop Aloysius Fondong expressed his deep disapproval of the gruesome attack, emphasising the sanctity of human life.
The statement read, “The massacre of human beings is an intrinsically evil act because it violates the fifth commandment of the Decalogue: ‘You shall not kill (Ex 20:13; cf. Deut 5:17).
“The Catechism of the Catholic Church clearly explains the reason why the killing of a human being is inadmissible: ‘Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end.
“God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being’ (CCC, 2258).”
He continued that, “It is against this backdrop of the sacredness of human life that we vehemently condemn the atrocious act that brought about the destruction of the lives of so many innocent men, women, and children.”
On behalf of the Diocese of Mamfe, Bishop Aloysius extended condolences to the bereaved families, assuring them of the Diocese’s support and prayers during this time of pain and sorrow.
The Bishop, along with the Presbyterium of the Diocese of Mamfe, visited the site of the massacre yesterday to offer solace to the affected community.
They prayed for the injured and prayed for the eternal rest of the souls of the deceased.
Additionally, they prayed for the conversion of those responsible for the arson attack.
A Holy Mass was conducted this morning at the Saint Joseph’s Cathedral Church in Mamfe. The Mass was dedicated to “the eternal repose of the souls of those murdered, the swift recovery of the seriously injured, and the conversion of those who perpetrated this heinous act,” as stated in the communiqué.
This condemnable act in Egbekaw has shaken the local, national, and international community.
The Senior Divisional Officer of Manyu, Viang Mekala, who is the most senior government official in the area, said the army was maintaining order in the area.
The attack came amid a protracted armed conflict in the English-speaking Regions of Cameroon, where more than 6,000 people have died.
Mimi Mefo Info
