Newly named auxiliary bishop speaks of humility and mission after surviving abductions and stepping into a long-vacant role.
The appointment of Rev. Fr. John Berinyuy Tata as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bamenda has been followed by his first public reaction, marked by gratitude, humility and a call to renewed pastoral commitment.
The announcement was formally read at exactly noon on Friday 13 February 2026 by the Archbishop of Bamenda, His Grace Andrew Nkea, bringing to a close years of vacancy in the auxiliary episcopal office.
Bishop-elect Rev. Fr. John Berinyuy Tata becomes the successor to His Lordship Michael Miabesue Bibi, who served as auxiliary bishop from 2017 until his appointment as Apostolic Administrator of Buea in December 2019 and was later installed as Bishop of Buea in January 2021. His nomination restores a key layer of pastoral support within the archdiocese at a time of continuing social and security pressures in the region.
His Lordship Michael Miabesue Bibi and Rev. Fr. John Berinyuy Tata
The new bishop’s elevation comes after a turbulent period in which he endured kidnappings. He was abducted on 15 November alongside five other priests in Ndop and released on 2 December following mounting pressure and appeals, including a threat by the archbishop to stage a protest in the area.
Speaking shortly after the announcement, Bishop-elect Rev. Fr. John Berinyuy Tata said he welcomed the appointment with deep gratitude and a sense of mission.
“I received the news with humility”
He expressed thanks to Almighty God and to Pope Leo XIV for the confidence placed in him, and paid tribute to Archbishop Andrew Nkea for his support throughout his priestly ministry. He pledged close collaboration with the Archbishop in serving the faithful of Bamenda.
"I thank the priests. I thank all the Christians, and I thank
everybody, especially the whole world as well as the Holy for praying for me
during the time of my captivity." the Bishop-elect said
Reflecting on the support he received during his captivity, he thanked priests, Christians and people around the world for their prayers. He added that he accepts the call in a spirit of surrender and service, entrusting his ministry to Christ and seeking the intercession of the Virgin Mary as he prepares for the challenges ahead.
"I receive this and I surrender myself like the Blessed Virgin Mary, saying that the Lord will be done to my life according to his Word and according to his Word. And I say, like Jesus Christ, that Here am I, Lord. I come to do your will." he said
Church observers say his appointment carries both symbolic and practical significance. It not only fills a leadership gap but also brings to the episcopate a figure whose recent personal trials resonate strongly with a region still grappling with insecurity.
Details of his episcopal ordination are expected to be communicated in the coming weeks as the Bamenda archdiocese prepares to formally welcome its new auxiliary bishop.
By Bakah Derick
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