Menchum: Abducted principal cries for help from Amba captivity.

The secondary education official who was picked up by armed men, suspected to be Ambazonia fighters on his way to school that fateful day has since remained in captivity.

In a 1 minute 51 seconds video that surfaced on social media Wednesday November 8, Tem Gerald, almost in tears is heard pleading with authorities and those who care about him to contribute in any way possible to secure his release.

“I’m very sorry to say that what has been sent to the barrack which is very meagre, very small. They [armed gunmen] are not happy and their attitude towards me has changed. The treatment they were giving me is no more there. I’m pleading that something should be done to take me out of this place… the elite please, we are also like brothers from the same Division, do something for me, do it fast, I count on you people, stand by me in this difficult moment,” the principal said.

He went ahead: “I’m calling on Senator Sekedi, youth president of Essimbi Cultural and Development Association…, my classmate Mayor Ihimbru Solomon, all of you my friends, Hon Wallang and the rest…do everything possible to take me out of this dilemma. I’m breaking down completely,”

The Guardian Post gathered that the abductors had demanded ransom but the amount they requested has not been made available in its totality.

Tem Gerald says his life is now at a bigger risk if something isn’t done and fast as well.

“Please do something, I’m pleading. My poor wife and my family have done something little but the little is not good enough. It is instead provoking the fighters, so I want to beg, I’m on my knees pleading. I’m waiting for your response within the shortest time,” the trained Chemistry teacher said.

The kidnap of the Principal of GHS Benakuma comes at a time teachers serving in the conflict-hit North West and South West Regions, have been targeted by armed separatist fighters since the outbreak of the Anglophone crisis in 2016. 

Several of them have been kidnapped, tortured and release on ransom or simply killed. The same fate has befallen pupils and students in the two English speaking regions which saw many schools shutdown.