Anglophone crisis: Population Confronts Amba Boys To Release 11 Kidnapped Teachers

By Doh Bertrand Nua

There has been tension in Kumbo, Bui Division in the North West region following the kidnapped of eleven teachers kidnapped on campuses of Primary School and the day section of the secondary School (PCHS) located in Kumbo Town by separatist fighters.

Kidnapped teachers 

The kidnappers were confronted by angry villagers who demanded their immediate and unconditional release. 

The population is said to have been forced to leave the camps at gunpoint under heavy rains without the kidnapped teachers.

The gunmen are said to have denied releasing the teachers despite the pressure from the angry villagers. 

The teachers are said to have been release next day. It is not clear if ransom was paid by the church or their families to secure their release.

A release issued same day by the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, Rev Fonki Samuel Forba, indicated that the incident occurred as early as 9am when a group of unidentified men stormed the school campuses and “in the process carted away eleven teachers and dispersed the children to go home unhurt”.

Rev Fonki condemned the act which he said “continuously deprives the children of their right to education” and expressed hopes to see an end to the ugly scenarios.

Reacting to the incident hours after on twitter, US-based Amba activist, Eric Tataw, condemned the act and said the move is counter-productive to their independence struggle.

“The attack on one of our Presbyterian schools in Kumbo today is unacceptable. Kidnapping pupils, students, teachers isn’t an independence agenda, I’ve talked with Sako-led Bui Warriors and they confirmed keeping the teachers. I’ve asked for their immediate release,” Tataw twitted.

Still in the North West region, reports emerged Wednesday 4 November 2020 that at least eight students were kidnapped on the campus of GBHS Fundong, Chief Town of Boyo Division.

The incident is said to have occurred within the early hours when identified gunmen suspected to be separatist fighters stormed the campus. 

Administrative authorities are said to have convened an urgent security meeting to assess the situation and take moves to get the student release. It is not yet clear if the students have been freed or not.