With GCE Exams at the Corner:

St. Bedes College Still ‘Dry’ Despite Release of Principal

By Njodzefe Nestor in Bamenda

Father William Neba

The Principal of Saint Bede’s College Ashing-Kom, Father William Neba who kidnapped on Monday April 30, 2018, was released in the early hours of Wednesday May, 2 by his abductors.

            “The Archbishop of Bamenda, His Grace Fontem Cornelius Esua and his auxiliary, His Lordship Micheal Bibi are happy to announce that Fr. William Neba has been released this day Wednesday 2 May, 2018 and is at Archbishop’s house”   a terse communiqué issued by the Director of Communication of the Archdiocese of Bamenda, Fr. Humphrey Tata Mbuy reads.

            While thanking those who collaborated for the release of the Man of God who spent two days with the abductors, the Bishops have called on Christians “to continue praying that the present socio-political situation”  may be speedily resolved.  

            Father William Neba was kidnapped during the 6 O’ Clock Holy mass in Saint Bede’s College Ashing-Kom campus by unknown men and ferried to an unknown destination. Father William Neba He was kidnapped alongside his chaplain Fr. Valentine Tatah who was later released. Sources say, he was later allowed by the kidnappers to call the Vice-Principal of the college and let him know he was in good condition.

            Informed of the situation, the Archbishop of the Bamenda Archdiocese Cornelius Fontem Esua and his Auxillary Michael Bibi and other men of God accompanied by the SDO of Fundong went down to Belo to assess the situation.

            The circumstances leading to his release are not clear but sources within the Bamenda Ecclesiastic Province which The Median could not independently verify say his abductors had requested for a complete shutdown of Saint Bede’s College, Ashing-Kom where Father William is Principal. The school is one of the few in Belo that has been functioning unperturbed.

            The School has since the unfortunate occurrence been deserted as parents have taken away their children home just some few months to the writing of the GCE examinations.

            Since the escalation of the crisis that has been rocking the North West region, there has been sporadic kidnappings of government and local officials especially in Belo and Batibo, the troubled areas of the region.

            In March 2018 Councilors Bangha Mercy Neng and Mawein Lawrence were kidnapped and were only released after their families paid huge sums of money.

            The Divisional Officer for Batibo sub division, Momo division, Namata Joseph Diteng was kidnapped by yet to be identified gun men at the Batibo ceremonial ground Stand On February 11, 2018 at about 8am as he was preparing for youth day celebrations.

            The Regional Delegate of Social Affairs for the North West, Animbom Aaron Akiambom was kidnapped alongside his driver while on a burial to Batibo on Saturday Feb. 23, 2018.  His car was later found burnt to ashes and the driver released. Despite search operations by forces of law and other, these officials are yet to be seen.