Briefs

Kumba Bailiff Kidnapped

Compiled by Doh Bertrand Nua in K’ba

A Kumba-based bailiff, Ngalame Bwang Romanus, has been kidnapped around Malende along the Kumba-Buea highway. He was kidnapped by unknown gunmen as he was travelling to Kumba from Buea. He had gone to Buea to make burial arrangements for his late father. Driving back to Kumba their bus was stopped by security officers for routine checks before armed separatists surfaced from the bush. The security officers escaped to the bush when the gunmen surfaced, we learned. Ngalame was the only one kidnapped.

General Psychosis grips K’ba:

Amba Scare Causes

Pandemonium in K’ba High Court 

-Magistrates and lawyers flee for their lives, abandoning their wigs and gowns

Threats from unknown persons on Thursday 21 June 2018 left the Kumba High court and nearby private law offices shutdown. Workers and visitors of the Kumba high court were seen running in different directions looking for safety as news made the rounds that the Amba boys had entered town and were heading towards the Court. Magistrates and Lawyers immediately took off their wigs and gowns and stayed in assorted dresses just to avoid being identified by the ‘Amba Vipers and Cobras’.

            A lawyer who spoke to us on condition of anonymity said the incident occurred when the President of the Kumba High Court received an anonymous call promising hell to workers at the court. What followed after the call was a rat race, with people running helter-skelter in different directions.

            An eyewitness told this reporter that he saw the security officer of the court escaping at breakneck speed after scaling the fence from the back part of the court building.

            Though the Amba boys did not finally visit the court, one could tell the general fear and psychosis that has gripped the populations due to the ongoing hostilities and especially the ruthlessness of the Amba forces.

            It should be recalled that only recently the Muyuka court of first instance was put on fire by unknown individuals passing for Amba fighters. Also the prison in Bavenga near Muyuka was attacked and prisoners set free few months ago. Not even the Police office in Muyuka was spared by the terror-inspiring Amba boys.