Bishop in Cameroon Condoles with Family of Catholic Pupils Killed in Fire Accident

Buea, 04 March, 2024 / 8:41 PM

The Catholic Bishop of Buea Diocese in Cameroon has condoled with the family of four children who died following a fire incident at their home in Batoke, a town within his Episcopal See.

In a statement issued Sunday, March 3, Bishop Michael Miabesue Bibi said the incident that occurred March 2 and claimed the lives of four children from the same family “shocked not only the members of that community, but every other Cameroonian.” 

“Three of the Children, Negou Mariana Britney (class 6), Negou Prince David (class 5), Elizclaire Maya (class 1), were all pupils of the Catholic Primary School in Batoke,” Bishop Bibi recounted.

He continued, “The fourth child, Mbong Bella, their kid sister of about one year and some months, died along with them in the fire.”

“I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the Conte family for this loss of their dear children; four children, from two sisters,” the Cameroonian Catholic Bishop said.

The Catholic Church leader who started his Episcopal Ministry as Auxiliary Bishop of Cameroon’s Bamenda Archdiocese in March 2017 added, “We extend our condolences to the family and to the wider community in Batoke, including the Primary School staff and pupils and the Parish Community, for this painful and traumatizing experience.”

“As a Church, we pray for the peaceful repose of their souls, and for God's consolation on the entire family,” Bishop Bibi said.

He said, “May our God keep you strong in this moment of trial.”