Blame games escalated on Friday over the mysterious shooting of Kisii Catholic Father Cosmas Omboto, who died on Wednesday at Kembong, South West of Cameroon while in a mission.
At his Gusii home, Bishop Joseph Mairura, who ordained him in 2017, described the young priest as 'hardworking human being' who was dedicated to his duties.
"I am really shocked by the death. They should have spared him. A hardworking human being ready to change souls. It's a blow to Catholic church in Gusii and around the world."
At the time of death, Bishop Andrew Nkea of Mamfe Diocese said, Father Omboto was with catechists and a few church followers doing cleaning.
But Information Minister Issa Bakary, in an interview with BBC Radio on Friday, said military was not responsible for Omboto's death.
"The military respects the church and civilians. That's the work of rebels. We shall do investigations and follow them to their hiding. Military is clean on this one," Issa claimed.
At least 21 bullet holes could be counted on Kembong church, according to Bishop Andrew Nkea who visited hours after the priest was killed.
In a rejoinder on BBC, Nkea dismissed the government position, insisting that the military is responsible for the brutal murder.
"Issa doesn't know Kembong. He wasn't there. Soldiers were shooting indiscriminately and killed the priest. Let him confirm before going on air."
Secessionists in South West mainly anglophones are fighting government in a bid to get independence from francophone dominance in the North for two years now.
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