Gunshots interrupt Kumbo Bishop’s 40th priestly anniversary celebration

Roman Catholic christians of the Diocese of Kumbo in the North West region today were forced to halt the anniversary celebration of their Bishop.

They were communing with Bishop George Nkuo on the 40th anniversary of his priestly ordination when gunshots rocked the air.

Locals say the shooting was carried out by separatist fighters in a bid to disrupt the occasion attended by among others, top administrative officials including Governor Adolphe Lele L’Afrique.

Those present were all forced to go down on their bellies for fear of being hit, staying down until the shooting stopped.

Even the heavy militarisation of the area owing to the presence of the governor of the North West region failed to act as a deterrent to the separatist fighters.

The mass however was later held without any interruption.

Kumbo remains a stronghold for separatist fighters seeking control of Cameroon’s English-speaking regions. For four years today, several fierce encounters between the fighters and Cameroonian soldiers have left thousands dead and many more displaced.

Bishop George Nkuo: 40 years in service

Ordained a priest 40 years ago, Bishop George Nkuo is Kumbo’s second residential Bishop appointed in 2006 by the Pope.

He has continued to serve in the town, staying form despite daily gun-battles rocking his area of command.

The 68-year-old prelate, it should be recalled, played a vital role in uncovering government’s role in the Ngarbuh Massacre in Ndu, carried out on February 14, 2020.

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