Kidnappers allegedly demanding 1.9 billion FCFA to free Idabato DO.

Kidnapped DO of Idabato

Suspected pirates who are said to be of Nigerian origin, have reportedly requested FCFA 1.9 billion FCFA ransom to free the kidnapped the Divisional Officer, DO, of Idabato Subdivision, Ndian Division of the South West Region.

The civil administrator, Ewane Roland, was abducted on October 1, 2024, under unclear circumstances. His abductors, according to family members, are now demanding 1.9 billion FCFA ransom for his release.

We gathered that the hoodlums are also demanding 10 generators, 200 Yamaha horsepower flying boats, and the release of their colleagues detained at the Buea Central Prison.

Going by usually dependable sources, the pirates are said to have reached out to the family of the kidnapped Divisional Officer, one week after he was abducted.

A source disclosed that the pirates had assured the family that the kidnapped DO was in good health.

The demand for ransom came days after the Governor of the South West Region, Bernard Okalia Bilai, issued a 72-hour ultimatum for the DO to be freed unharmed. The ultimatum had since elapsed without the release of the DO. He has now spent over 23 days in captivity.

Meanwhile, Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai had issued the stern warning to kidnappers of the DO of Idabato Subdivision, on Tuesday October 8, during an emergency meeting he chaired in the Subdivision.

Addressing administrative, traditional, local and religious leaders, the governor called on indigenes and foreigners to ensure the safe return of Ewane Roland.

“…the kidnapping of the Divisional Officer is unacceptable…I am giving you 72 hours to give peace a last chance and avoid embarrassing our two countries…you know those responsible for the kidnap of the Divisional Officer of Idabato…let them bring him back in good health,” he had warned.

The governor had also disclosed that Ewane Roland's abduction was carried out with the complicity of certain Nigerian businesspersons, who, according to him, refused to comply with Cameroonian laws by evading taxes. 

"The DO was merely performing his duty as a representative of the State, fighting illegal activities, and demanding the payment of taxes. For this, he was kidnapped and taken to Nigeria," the governor stated. 

He had warned that failure to release the DO within 72 hours would lead to a lockdown of the town, which would significantly disrupt daily life and local businesses.

Governor Bilai insisted that Cameroonian laws will be implemented to the latter, urging the largely Nigerian population, comprising 95% of Idabato's residents, to respect the laws of the country that had welcomed them. 

He reminded them that they enjoyed a tax-free period under a previous agreement, which had now expired, but expressed frustrations that many are abusing this policy of peaceful coexistence and hospitality by disregarding Cameroonian laws and resorting to kidnapping State officials to avoid paying taxes. 

On his part, the mayor of Idabato, Etongo Efange, revealed that the Enjor Group in Nigeria carried out the abduction. 

He noted that this was not the first time the group had committed such act, recalling that they had attacked him and his family at their home in 2019.

It should be recalled that the Divisional Officer was abducted along with a staff of the Idabato Council, Etongo Ismaiel, around 2:15 a.m. on the night of October 1, 2024. 

The abductors are said to have taken the direction to Nigeria on board speedboats. 

The population is quoted as saying they heard heavy gunshots in the night of the unfortunate incident. 

According to accounts, the kidnappers surrounded the Divisional Officer’s residence, before breaking in and firing gunshots to scare the population.     

 

 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3269 of Thursday October 24, 2024

 

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