Anglophone Conflict: 16 persons kidnapped in Nguti in less than a week

16 persons have been kidnapped by separatist fighters in Nguti, Kupe Muanenguba Division of the South West Region.

At least four people were kidnapped in the same locality on Thursday alone.

The crime of those kidnapped is that, they are said to have performed purification rites as number of conflict-related deaths soar.

“The move was misinterpreted by the separatist fighters who accused them of attempting to mystically reduce their power on the area,” MMI was told.

Several persons were also abducted on Tuesday in Nguti.

As the Anglophone crisis deepens, many elected officials in the area now reside in either Buea or Kumba, for fear of reprisal attacks.

In a meeting recently, the Senior Divisional Officer, SFO of Kupe Manengouba, Jean Marie Tchakui threatened to dismiss civil servants who have fled the area — forcing them to resign.

The SDO went further to announce the suspension of additional municipal fee, CAC financial support paid to decentralized local authorities by the state through FEICOM.

However, this seem not to have sunk into the minds of some council workers who are not ready to resume work — citing security threats.

By Amina Hilda.