Serious human rights concerns are emerging in Cameroon’s conflict-affected North West region following allegations suggesting possible complicity of military personnel in the sexual abuse of minors in Lassin, Noni Subdivision. The claims, which have not been independently verified, raise urgent questions about child protection, military accountability, and the safety of students in areas affected by the Anglophone crisis.
Formal Complaint Details Allegations Against Civilian and Soldiers
The allegations are outlined in a formal complaint dated April 15, 2026, addressed to the Brigade Commander of Nkor by the administration of Saint Joseph Catholic College Lassin (SAJOCCCOL). A copy of the document has been reviewed by MMI News.
In the letter, the school’s principal, Rev. Father Paul Verla, accuses a local resident, Inussa Sani, of allegedly targeting underage students—including both day scholars and boarders—for sexual exploitation. The complaint further alleges that Sani acted as a facilitator, reportedly arranging access to minors for soldiers stationed at a military barracks in Lassin.
According to the letter, some individuals linked to earlier incidents were reportedly detained, but no action was taken against Sani, who is described as central to the alleged abuse network.
Incident Involving Missing Student Raises Alarm
The complaint also recounts a specific incident on April 3, 2026, involving a student identified as Kili Verma. According to the principal, the student reportedly disappeared from the dormitory around 7 p.m. under suspicious circumstances.
Rev. Father Verla claims he was alerted to the presence of Sani’s motorcycle near the campus and alleges that he witnessed the suspect leaving a room with the student before fleeing despite attempts to stop him. The student later returned to the school, and the letter states that she is reportedly pregnant.
Claims of Repeated Abuse and Prior Warnings Ignored
Beyond the reported incident, the principal suggests the case may reflect a broader pattern of abuse. In the complaint, Sani is described as a “serial child abuser,” with allegations that multiple similar cases may have occurred. The letter further claims that prior warnings were issued to the suspect and that military authorities had been notified following earlier reports from students, yet the alleged abuse persisted.
These claims, if substantiated, point to potential systemic failures in safeguarding vulnerable children within a high-risk environment.
Military Presence in Schools Under Scrutiny
The allegations come amid ongoing security deployments across schools in Cameroon’s North West and South West regions, where military personnel have been stationed to protect students and staff from attacks and kidnappings by separatist fighters. While intended to improve safety, these latest claims risk undermining public trust in those security measures.
The situation highlights the complex challenges of balancing security and accountability in regions affected by prolonged conflict.
Legal and Human Rights Implications
Under Cameroonian law and international human rights frameworks, including conventions on the rights of the child, the state bears a legal obligation to protect minors from all forms of abuse and exploitation. Any failure to investigate such allegations thoroughly could raise serious legal and ethical concerns.
In his complaint, Rev. Father Verla emphasised the urgency of state intervention, stating that justice must protect both the children and the wider Lassin community. He also underscored that minors fall under the protection of the state, which carries the ultimate responsibility for their safety.
Pattern of Allegations Raises Wider Concerns
Similar allegations involving the abuse of students by security personnel have previously surfaced in other parts of the North West region, including at Government Bilingual High School Down Town Bamenda and Government Bilingual High School Mendakwe. In those cases, there has been limited or no public communication from authorities, raising concerns among observers that many incidents may go unreported or unaddressed.
As these allegations circulate, pressure is likely to mount on both military and civil authorities to provide clarity, ensure accountability, and reinforce mechanisms for the protection of minors in conflict zones.
MMI News will continue to monitor developments, seek official responses, and follow up on any investigations related to the allegations in Lassin.
