Menchum: Kidnapped GHS Benakuma principal regains freedom.

The seasoned pedagogue and Chemistry teacher, regained his freedom yesterday, after spending 28 days in captivity.

His release was confirmed by the Divisional Officer, DO, of Menchum Valley Subdivision, Foncha Azise Christian.

 The civil administrator confirmed the development in a chat with this reporter but didn’t disclose the circumstances leading to the release of the school administrator. 

It was not immediately known if any ransom was paid to secure the release of the principal. It was not also disclosed while the official was kidnapped.

Tem Gerald Akabi, it should be recalled, was kidnapped on October 18, 2023.

After being held incommunicado for weeks, Tem last week appeared in a video pleading for support from elected officials, members of the public and friends to help him regain his freedom.

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

“I am very sorry to say that what has been sent to the ‘barrack’ 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 then added: “I am calling on Senator Sekedi, the 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 a ransom. However, the amount they requested was not immediately made public.

Tem Gerald had said his life was at a bigger risk if something wasn’t done and fast too.

“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. 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 came 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 released on ransom or simply killed. 

The same fate has befallen pupils and students in the two English-speaking Regions, which have seen several schools shutting down.

Teachers operating in the two Regions are said to be under constant threats.