Traditional rulers of Ndian Division have in strong terms condemned the kidnap of six divisional delegates in Ndian and other “barbaric acts” which they said is perpetrated on their land by those they have identified and confirmed as “non-indigenes”.
Their reaction is contained in a press release issued 19 June 2021, a copy of which we procured. The release signed by H.M. Nganya Emmanuel Effamba, President Ndian Divisional Chiefs Conference, sanctions an emergency executive meeting they held in Mundemba after the kidnapping of six delegates.
“The Traditional Rulers of Ndian Division sitting in an emergency executive meeting in Mundemba, frown at the renewed ambushing, hostage taking and killings targeted at our indigenous people, leaders, PAMOL workers and service heads in Ndian Division and vehemently condemn these barbaric acts, call on the people of Ndian Division, youth, men, women and elite to join forces and denounce the perpetrators, of this heinous act confirmed to be led by none indigenes coming from neighboring countries, divisions and regions; who have enjoyed our hospitality and living together,” partly read the release.
“These acts, we know are aimed at eliminating our hard-achieved human resources, depopulating our already dwindling communities and stalling development efforts of our division,” the chiefs added.
They appealed on government to do all within it powers to step up security measures to secure persons and property in Ndian Division, and the return to peace and serenity in the restive regions as a whole. The delegates were kidnapped 15 June 2021 by gunmen in Misore Balue in Ekondo-Titi Subdivision while on mission to demarcate land for an electricity supply plant project in the area.
Mania Johnson, Divisional Delegate of Economy, Planning and Regional Development, MINEPAT, was unfortunately murdered three days after the kidnap. Five others including: Mambe Elvis Ebaku, delegate of State Property, Land Tenure and Surveys;, Felicia Ndong, of Housing and Urban Development); Elad Emmanuel of Water and Energy resources;, Mbida Armand Christian of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicraft; Agbor Stephen Nyenty, Divisional Chief of Service for Surveys and still maintained in captivity.
The self-styled separatist commander, ‘General’ 10 Kobo had in an audio message threatened to use the delegates to set an example on government without explaining what he meant. The SDO for Ndian, Lawrence Forwang said the kidnapping was carried out by “secessionist terrorists".
Though condemning the act, the SDO said plans were made to secure the release of the abductors. Government has maintained suspicious silence over the kidnap till date though inside sources say plans are being taken behind-the-scene to secure their release.
By Doh Bertrand Nua
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