An Angolan Catholic priest narrowly escaped death after a knife-wielding attacker confronted him inside his parish office at the St. Joseph Pastoral Center of the Catholic Archdiocese of Luanda.

The incident occurred at around 7:30 a.m. on February 28 at the pastoral centre located within Immaculate Heart of Mary Morro Bento Parish.

Attacker threatened to kill priest

The assailant allegedly declared that he wanted to kill Fr. Inácio Kahamba, a 51-year-old member of the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians).

According to Fr. Kahamba, the man entered the office shortly after morning Mass with his face partially covered.

“After the morning Mass, the young man entered the office with his mouth covered by a hat. I asked him to identify himself, but he refused. When I invited him to step outside, he closed the door,” the priest told ACI Africa.

He said the attacker then pulled out a knife and threatened him.

“He then drew a knife and said, ‘Today I will kill you,’” Fr. Kahamba recounted.

Priest manages to overpower attacker

Despite the sudden threat, Fr. Kahamba reacted quickly and engaged the attacker in a struggle inside the office.

“I immediately lunged at him, holding his arm firmly. The struggle was intense, hand-to-hand, inside the closed office. I managed to control the knife and prevent being harmed,” he said.

The priest later pushed the attacker outside the office, where parishioners helped restrain him before handing him over to the police.

The suspect has been identified on social media as 27-year-old Alcides Piluka, who was reportedly a former altar server and had previously been involved with the Salesian Missionaries.

Priest resumes duties after incident

Despite the traumatic encounter, Fr. Kahamba continued with his pastoral responsibilities and celebrated another Mass later the same day.

Reflecting on the incident, he expressed gratitude for surviving the attack.

“It was humiliating to face an attempt on my life in my own office. But I thank God for His protection. We continue our mission,” he said.

Concerns over attacks on churches

Fr. Kahamba also warned of a growing trend of attacks on churches and missionaries in Angola.

He pointed to recent incidents, including an assault on an Italian priest in Benguela, as well as cases of church break-ins and desecration of sacred spaces.

The priest emphasised that improving security requires cooperation between families, communities and authorities.

“Police alone cannot prevent crimes. Respect for law and morality must be reinforced at all levels,” he said.

Fr. Kahamba also called for reflection and spiritual renewal, urging believers to strengthen their faith and commitment to peace.