By Henriette Anne, FSSA
With hearts still heavy with sorrow, the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, marking the first anniversary of the tragic disappearance of Rev. Fr. Luke Yugue and Mr. Michael Gbeko bishop Hiiboro Eduardo Kussala has invited all the faithful, to remember, to hope, and to stand steadfast in the pursuit of justice.
It has been a year since Fr. Luke and Mr. Gbeko vanished along the Nagero–Tombura road, yet the wounds remain deep and the sorrow unrelenting. The bishop acknowledged the ongoing pain felt by the families, the Church, and the entire community, noting that the passage of time has not diminished their yearning for truth and justice.
“Our hope for justice remains steadfast,” Bishop Hiiboro affirmed. He stressed that the Church will not waver in its duty to seek the truth. The call for accountability, both from heaven and from earthly authorities, continues to ring out not only for Fr. Luke and Michael but for all the innocent souls across the nation who suffer in silence.
This year’s commemoration came during a period of profound mourning for the global Church, following the death of Pope Francis and the subsequent preparations for the election of a new Holy Father. Because of these extraordinary circumstances, a formal spiritual event could not be held on the anniversary itself. Nevertheless, Bishop Hiiboro assured the faithful that the spirit of prayer remains alive and that in the days to come, the diocese would gather to honor the memory of Fr. Luke and Mr. Gbeko.
“This year, we have been unable to mark this day with a formal spiritual event due to the death of our beloved Pope Francis and the sacred responsibilities surrounding the election of the new Holy Father. Yet the spirit of prayer knows no boundary. In the coming days, we shall gather in fitting homage to their memory”.
Reflecting on the Easter season, a time when Christians celebrate Christ’s victory over death — Bishop Hiiboro urged the faithful not to lose hope. “Darkness does not have the final word,” he proclaimed, emphasizing that in the Risen Christ, there is the sure promise that those who suffer unjustly are ultimately embraced by eternal love and life.
In his final words, Bishop Hiiboro called upon all members of the diocese and beyond to continue lifting up Fr. Luke, Mr. Gbeko, their families, and the community in fervent prayer. He encouraged the faithful to let their remembrance be not only an expression of grief but a living act of faith, a powerful testimony to the triumph of love, and an unyielding cry for peace and justice.
“May the Risen Christ comfort all who mourn, strengthen the weary, and heal the broken-hearted,” he concluded.
In this time of mourning and hope, the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio stands united, drawing strength from faith, determined to keep alive the memory and mission of Rev. Fr. Luke Yugue and Mr. Michael Gbeko.
