Priest dies two weeks after his release by kidnappers

This picture of Father Adolphe Ntahondereye that was relayed on social media showed him barefoot when he was freed.

Worst fears of people who saw Abbot Adolphe Ntahondereye at his release by kidnappers over two weeks ago have sadly been confirmed.

He died last night in Bujumbura “following inhumane treatment he had suffered and that aggravated his pre-existing health issues. His old age also contributed to his death”, an initial police report has said this Thursday morning.
He could not leave his sickbed from the day he was freed by the kidnappers in the neighbouring DR Congo.
A priest who reportedly looked after him said his death was not linked to what he went through during his seventeen days as a hostage. “Father Ntahondereye suffered from malaria and high blood pressure. His death has nothing to do with his kidnapping”, said Jean Noel…

People who saw him when he was freed said his health had been seriously damaged. “He looked very exhausted and weak.

His feet injured”, had said Mathieu Sake, a human rights activist who was allowed by the army to meet the priest and his former co-hostages at their release.

Mathias Mujuriro, the Abbot’s co-hostage that Iwacu interviewed at that time, feared the long walk they had barefoot, and the mosquito bites would have consequences on their health. He reported that the priest’s health was already in bad condition few hours after their kidnapping. He was only able to walk the first day. The kidnappers carried him when they moved.