Kidnappers demand nearly $50,000 for Cameroon priest’s freedom

YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon – Unidentified gunmen are demanding $42,750 in ransom payment as a condition for releasing Father Valentin Mbaïbarem from captivity.

The parish priest of St. John the Baptist Madingring Parish of Garoua Archdiocese in Cameroon’s Far North region was kidnapped on May 7, along with five other people. He was taken on the road between Guidjiba and Tcholliré in Cameroon’s northern region.

According to the Diocesan Chancellor, Father Emmanuel Bonkou, one of the hostages-a teacher has been killed.