Agenzia Fides

Bangui (Agenzia Fides) – His. Exc Mgr.Eduard Mathos, Bishop of Bambari, in Central African Republic, fell in an ambush by a group of rebels: he was kidnapped and then released after a short period. Local Church sources told Fides that for security reasons, they have requested anonymity. "Mgr. Mathos had gone to the village of Ngerengou, north of Bria, to administer the sacrament of Confirmation. Although he knew that several rebel groups operate in the area, the Bishop did not pull back, despite the risks, in order to continue his pastoral work, " Fides sources say.
"The rebel group, came to know that the Bishop was in the area, and moved to capture him. The attack took place on June 2. After a while, thankfully, they released him, but kept his driver and the car. Later, the rebels returned to get his mobile phone. The Bishop is still in Ngerengou because the area is still dangerous. Mgr.Mathos is safe and sound, and is protected by the local people"
"We do not know which group is responsible for this act, because in this area at least three or four rebel groups operate. Investigation and research by the Central African military and UN peacekeepers are being carried out " conclude the sources of Fides. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 06/04/201)