The Catholic Diocese of Kenema in Sierra Leone has issued a forceful and emotional statement following a disturbing wave of violence that culminated in the murder of Fr. Augustine Amadu on August 30. The tragedy has shaken the local community and prompted Bishop Henry Aruna to speak out during the priest’s burial on September 19, where he declared, “Enough is enough!” His words echoed the growing frustration and fear among residents who have witnessed a troubling rise in criminal activity targeting both civilians and religious institutions.
According to the Diocese, Fr. Amadu was preparing for a new pastoral assignment when he was brutally killed, a loss that has left the clergy and faithful reeling. The murder is not seen as an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of unchecked violence in Kenema. Armed robberies have plagued church facilities, convents have been attacked, and humanitarian workers and government officials have reportedly been harassed by criminal gangs. Despite these alarming developments, the Diocese claims that police response has been minimal, leaving communities vulnerable and deeply unsettled.
Bishop Aruna emphasized that the violence has inflicted irreparable harm on the Church and the wider population, creating an atmosphere of panic and insecurity. He called on national authorities to take immediate and decisive action to restore peace and protect innocent lives. The Diocese’s statement serves as both a lament and a call to action, urging leaders to confront the deteriorating security situation with urgency and resolve. As the community mourns the loss of Fr. Amadu, the Church stands united in its demand for justice and safety, hoping that his death will not be in vain but rather a turning point in the fight against violence.