Briefs

Compiled by Doh Bertrand Nua in K’ba

Kidnapped Kumba Bailiff Freed

Kidnapped by unknown gunmen along the Kumba-Buea road, in the morning of Monday 14 May, Eni makia, a Kumba-based bailiff, was later freed by his abductors after he reportedly paid a ransom of FCFA 1.5 million. 

            Eni Makia was kidnapped around the locality of Ediki-Mbalangi on the Kumba-Buea highway on his way to Buea aboard his vehicle. He was taken to an unknown destination by the gunmen. News of his abduction spread like bushfire in Kumba with sources saying his abductors are demanding FCFA 5 million for his release. After several hours of negotiations, the sum of FCFA 1.5 million was paid to secure his release, we learned. Eni was released same day at about 6pm.

Police Inspector kidnapped in Konye

            In Konye we gathered that the kidnapped Konye Special Branch Police inspector by name Ekiti Ewang Christopher was released by his abductors after allegedly paying ransom worth FCFA 500 000. The released police inspector was spotted in Kumba few days after his released. A source close to the inspector told reporters that the police inspector has gone to Mutengene for medical treatment of some wounds he sustained. It should be recalled he was release by his abductors Thursday May 10.

SDO Bans Motor Bikes in Dschang

The Anglophone crisis that has crippled activities in the two Anglophone regions has begun spilling over to neighbouring Francophone regions of the country. The crisis that has grounded Lebialem Division of the Southwest is gradually shifting to neighbouring West region. This follows the ban on the circulation of motorbikes in certain sub-divisions in the West Region.

            The ban is contained in a prefectoral order signed by the Senior Divisional Officer for Menoua Division on May 15, 2018. The Menoua Prefect in his order restricts the circulation of motorbikes in four sub-divisions in his area of command namely;Fongo-Tongo, Nkong-Ni, Santchou and Dschang sub-divisions.

            However, the same order indicates that bikes in two other sub-divisions; Fokoue’ and Penka Michel are allowed to work between the hours 5am to 10pm daily. The SDO’s order follows that of the Divisional Officer of Dschang that restricted the activities of bars and off-licences from 9pm to an indefinite period of time.

            It should be recalled many administrative officials working in Lebialem Division have escaped the violent Anglophone crisis and have taken refuge in the some towns in the West Region. Dschang also arguably place host to some displaced persons from the affected villages in Lebialem.

Bandits having a field day in Kumba

Men of the underworld have re-launched their activities across the city of Kumba as the Anglophone crisis rages on. Last week, a series of robberies were recorded across many neighbourhoods in Kumba. On the night of Monday May 14 breaking Tuesday, hoodlums burgled a fashion store specialized in the sale of female dresses in the Fiango market. It is said the act was carried out during a heavy downpour.

            On Tuesday May 15 at about 3pm, armed bandits attacked a brewery truck belonging to Les Brasseries du Cameroon. Money is said to have been collected alongside the key of the vehicle at the Barombi Kang village in Kumba.

            Still on Tuesday May 15, an establishment charged with the sale of metal rods, building materialsand other household appliances came under attack in Kumba during the day. The popular COGENI store located at the commonwealth avenue was attacked by armed men. The armed bandits are reported to have successfully made away with millions of FCFA and valuables of customers who were surrendered in the store.

            The above cases of robbery have left many business persons in Kumba in a state of confusion and shock. Many are pointing accusing fingers on the armed separatist fighters terrorizing Meme Division and other parts of the Northwest and Southwest Regions in the name of the Anglophone crisis, while others say it is a re-launch of robbery cases by armed bandits as was the case before.

            Meantime, business persons who spoke to this reporter lambasted elements of the Kumba public security for not effective paying a close eye in the check of bandits in and around Kumba. To some, the hardship caused by the Anglophone crisis has increase the number of idle persons and thieves, urging security forces to be on the alert for such people and their plans.

New Communication Delegate For Meme Division

Meme Division in the Southwest Region now has a new Delegate of Communication. The information was disclosed to reporters by the SDO for Meme, Chamberlin Ntou’ou Ndong on the side-lines of the national unity walk he organised on Saturday May 19 prior to May 20 celebrations in Kumba.

            After several enquiries made by this reporter from other sources close to the communication family in the country, this reporter learnt Madam Kome Ebane Slenor is the new communication boss for Meme. We learnt the appointment was made on Friday May 18, 2018.

            She will take over the command to manage the Divisional Delegation of Communication from Molua Cynthia Mbu, transferred to Yaounde in the rank of a sub-director in the Ministry of Communication. She will likely be installed in the days ahead.

            The outgoing Meme Divisional Delegate of Communication was seen on May 3 on the occasion of the celebration of World Press Freedom day in which she called on all media practitioners in the Division to uphold professional integrity in all they do in the phase on the ongoing socio-political tension in the two Anglophone Regions.

Chief Eseme Elise of Kokobuma kidnapped

Reports say the chief was kidnapped at about 1pm on Saturday, by gunmen at the locality of Mabonji near Kumba,as he was travelling to Kumba from Buea. His whereabouts are presently not known. The chief’s abductors are demanding 25 million as ransom, the reports said.