The Divisional Officer of Idabato, Ewane Roland, who was released from captivity on Monday night, is being taken to Yaoundé for an official declaration of his release.
According to the state broadcaster CRTV, the announcement will be made in Yaoundé. Ewane Roland was found in Jabane, Ndian Division, and was immediately taken to the Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) camp. On Tuesday morning, the Southwest Governor’s team received him at West Coast Idenau in Fako Division.
Five Months in Captivity
Ewane Roland was kidnapped by Nigerian pirates on October 1, 2024, from his residence in Idabato. He was abducted alongside a worker of the Idabato council, identified as Ismael Etongo.
Since then, multiple calls were made for his release. The governor of the Southwest region, Bernard Okalia Bilai, visited Idabato, issuing a 72-hour ultimatum for his release. However, this deadline was ignored. The governor also accused some Nigerian residents of collaborating with the pirates, stating that the DO’s efforts in tax collection had angered Nigerian businesspeople operating in the area. When the ultimatum failed, diplomatic efforts were pursued through the Nigerian Consul to the Southwest and Northwest regions.
Mayor Detained
Following the kidnapping of the DO, the Mayor of Idabato, Etongo Efange, was arrested and detained in Buea. Authorities have not officially commented on the reasons for his arrest, but sources suggest it is linked to the abduction. He remains in custody.
Pirates’ Ransom Demand
Though Ewane Roland has been released, it remains unclear whether a ransom was paid. The pirates had initially demanded approximately 1.9 billion FCFA (over a billion CFA) and the release of their associates detained in Cameroon.
A disturbing video of Ewane Roland pleading for help surfaced during his captivity, with his captors threatening his life if their demands were not met. His family reportedly worked to raise funds to secure his release.
The Cameroon government has yet to make an official statement regarding the circumstances of his release or confirm whether the ransom was paid. Meanwhile, questions remain about the fate of the other abducted individual, Ismael Etongo.
The Bakassi Peninsula, where Idabato is located, has been a hotspot for pirate activity. The Cameroonian government is facing increasing calls to enhance security measures to prevent further kidnappings and attacks in the region.
