'Popular' priest from Lanarkshire parishes kidnapped at gunpoint in Cameroon

A priest who previously worked in Lanarkshire has been kidnapped at gunpoint in Cameroon.

Father John Tatah, who has worked in Motherwell Diocese in recent years and is “popular” among parishioners, was returning home from mass with his assistant when they were abducted on November 15 by a group claiming to be separatist fighters of “Ambazonia”.

Four other priests and a layperson were also kidnapped after going to discuss Fr Tatah’s release.

The kidnappers failed to release Fr Tatah along with five other priests and instead demanded a ransom.

The Archbishop of Bamenda, Andrew Nkea, stated in a letter to the clergy that the church “never gives ransoms”.

All priests from Catholic institutions in the area have been ordered to close down the parishes, schools and other institutions and leave for their security.

The Archbishop also issued a call to action that if Fr Tatah was not released by November 28, all priests should march to the place where he is being held to “either bring him back home, or remain there until he is released”.

He added: “The frequent kidnapping of our Priests and Mission personnel has pushed us to the wall and we say that this should stop with immediate effect.

“There are many lay people who have suffered a lot from kidnappings, torture and violence within the Archdiocese of Bamenda, and we think these people need to live in tranquility and peace.”

The Diocese of Motherwell said the priest “remains in our prayers for his early release and for a peaceful resolution to his abduction”.

Bishop Toal, bishop of Motherwell, added: “We pray for all people suffering because of war and violence, and especially those who do so because of their Christian faith.”