By Doh Bertrand Nua
At least 21 hostages comprising elderly people, children and women have be liberated from separatist camps in Lebialem. They were liberated by elements of Cameroon’s elite force, the Rapid Intervention Battalion, BIR.
The captives were liberated in two separate operations that were launched in the area following the killing of notorious separatist commander, ‘General’ Ayeke in Besali village in Wabane Subdivision.
They hostages were released in a camp reportedly run by another budding separatist kingpin, Agbor Oscar Nkeng, who is said to have narrowly cheated death in the battle that led to the fall of Ayeke.
Among the liberated hostages was Catholic Priest. The freed hostages looked pale and had marks imprinted on their bodies by the separatist. In short videos recorded by the security elements, the villagers explained that the marks were drawn on their hands and bodies by the gunmen with blades.
The release of the 21 hostages adds to the 10 others that were released by soldiers after killing Ayeke. The hostages included young girls he had kidnapped and turned into sex tools for him and his foot soldiers.
The said operations have led to a partial return of calm in some villages in Lebialem where the fighters had erected their camps.
Most villagers have expressed joy with the security operations, saying it has permitted them to regain ownership of their farm lands, and other valuables that had been confiscated by the murdered separatist leader, Ayeke.
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