A dark cloud has fallen over the Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC) following the tragic killing of Pastor Njoh Desmond, who was shot dead by men in military attire near Nshiodoh village, along the road from Ndu Baptist Hospital, on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the Christian community and reignited calls for justice and peace in Cameroon’s restive North West Region, where violent clashes between government forces and separatist fighters continue to claim innocent lives.
A Church in Mourning
In an official statement issued on Sunday, November 9, the Executive President of the Cameroon Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Teke John Ekema, confirmed the killing, describing it as a “brutal, barbaric, and satanic act.”
“The CBC condemns in the strongest terms this heinous killing of one of our pastors, a servant of God who dedicated his life to preaching peace and salvation,” Rev. Dr. Teke said.
“We call on the Government of Cameroon, human rights organisations, and the international community to investigate this incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”
The CBC leader also renewed appeals for a peaceful resolution to the Anglophone Crisis, now in its eighth year, lamenting that innocent civilians — including pastors, teachers, and healthcare workers — continue to suffer the consequences of the conflict.
“The bloodshed must stop,” he urged. “Cameroon cannot heal through the barrel of a gun. We must turn to dialogue, reconciliation, and the respect of human life.”
A Pastor of Faith and Service
Pastor Njoh Desmond, originally from Kom in Boyo Division, served as pastor of the Tamba Preaching Station, a daughter congregation of Nshiodoh Baptist Church under the Karkar Association in Donga Mantung Division.
Colleagues and church members described him as a humble and dedicated minister, known for his compassion, simplicity, and commitment to serving even in dangerous areas affected by the ongoing conflict.
“He was a young pastor full of energy and faith,” said a colleague from the Ndu Baptist Association. “He loved his congregation deeply and often risked his safety to reach them. His death is not just a loss to his church but to the entire CBC family.”
Reports indicate that Pastor Njoh’s last public appearance was at the Cameroon Baptist Theological Seminary in Ndu, where he attended a ministers’ fellowship meeting earlier that week.
He is survived by his wife, a one-month-old baby, and a grieving congregation who say their shepherd was taken too soon.
Shock and Anger Among Christians
News of the killing has sparked outrage and sorrow among CBC members and the wider Christian community. Many took to social media to express their condolences and frustration over the continuous targeting of clergy and civilians in the conflict zones.
“It’s heartbreaking to see a man of God killed in cold blood,” wrote one church elder on Facebook. “If even pastors are not safe, then what hope is left for the ordinary man in these regions?”
Local eyewitnesses say the shooting occurred without provocation, but details remain sketchy as security forces have not issued an official statement regarding the incident. The area remains tense as community members mourn and demand answers.
Ongoing Conflict, Rising Toll
The Anglophone Crisis, which began in 2016, has displaced hundreds of thousands and left thousands dead in the North West and South West Regions. Churches, schools, and hospitals — traditionally seen as safe spaces — have increasingly become targets of violence from both state and non-state actors.
The Cameroon Baptist Convention, one of the oldest and most influential churches in the country, has repeatedly called for an end to hostilities, stressing that peace, justice, and national dialogue remain the only viable paths forward.
A Call for Peace and Justice
As the CBC mourns one of its own, the message from church leaders and Christians across the country is clear: justice must be served, and peace must prevail.
“We cannot bring Pastor Njoh back,” Rev. Dr. Teke said in closing, “but we can honor his memory by working for the Cameroon he dreamed of — one where love, peace, and justice reign.”
Funeral arrangements for Pastor Njoh Desmond are yet to be announced as the CBC coordinates with local church authorities and the bereaved family.
For now, the pews of Tamba Preaching Station remain silent — a painful reminder of a shepherd who preached peace until his final breath.
