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Catholic Priest Assaulted by Armed Bandits, Left in Critical Condition in DR Congo

Credit: La Dépêche TV
Jude Atemanke

By Jude Atemanke

Kinshasa, 26 January, 2026 / 11:50 pm (ACI Africa).

Fr. Jean-Richard Ilunga, Parish Priest of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish of the Diocese of Mbujimayi in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was violently attacked by armed bandits who left him in critical condition on January 24.

The attack occurred along the Bena Mbuyi – Kalambayi highway when the Priest had gone to collect a donation of USD $2,000 intended for the construction of his Parish Church.

According to a La Dépêche TV report, the assailants robbed Fr. Ilunga of his motorcycle, personal bag, mobile phone, and money before tying him up and abandoning him. 

He was later discovered by local residents, who rushed him to Saint Albert Parish in Kabimba. From there, he was transferred to Mbujimayi to receive urgent medical care.

His condition is currently stable, under close medical supervision.

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A statement from the Catholic Diocese appeals for the urgent involvement of provincial authorities, asking that “justice be served and that the Lord protect His servants who place their trust in Him.”

The attack reportedly included serious insults directed at Priests who tried to reach him, an act that has shocked the local Church community. 

The report indicates that “despite human vulnerability, Priests remain servants of God, whose lives and dignity must be respected.

“Church leaders and faithful are calling for prayers for Fr. Ilunga and for all Priests who are victims of violence worldwide,” the  La Dépêche TV report says.

The report also urges authorities to assist in recovering his motorcycle and identifying the perpetrators.

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Deeply moved by the act, Jean-Paul Mbwebwa Kapo, Governor of Kasaï Oriental, visited Fr. Ilunga on Sunday, January 25 to express his personal solidarity and that of the provincial government.

The Governor strongly condemned the act of banditry and instructed the competent authorities to locate and prosecute the perpetrators, emphasizing that impunity will not be tolerated. 

He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to promoting peace, security, and social cohesion throughout Kasaï Oriental.

Jude Atemanke

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.

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