Journalist Atia Tilarious Freed After Hours in Captivity

The Cameroon Association of English-speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ) has confirmed the release of Bamenda-based journalist Atia Tilarious, who was kidnapped by gunmen in Bamenda on Friday, October 25, 2024.

A brief statement shared by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Wanchia Cynthia, said the journalist was freed this Saturday evening after spending nearly 24 hours in captivity.

“We confirm the release of our member, Atia Tilarious,” Wanchia wrote, adding that “Journalists must be left to practise freely.”

MMI could not confirm if any ransome was paid to secure his freedom.

CAMASEJ had earlier condemned his kidnapping and demanded for his prompt release in a statement posted on the association’s Facebook page hours earlier.

“CAMASEJ has taken note with deep concern of the kidnapping of its member, Atia Tilarious Azonhwi, which occurred Friday October 25,2024 in Bamenda. We urge those responsible to release him promptly. We believe that Atia should be allowed to practice his journalism profession freely, rather than being held against his will,” Wanchia Cynthia wrote, without mentioning those behind the kidnapping.

A family source told MMI on Saturday afternoon that Atia was kidnapped around 4 pm on Friday at K-Town Bamenda, North West Cameroon.

The reason for his kidnapping could not be ascertained. He was taken a few hours after he left from work.

It was suspected that he was kidnapped by Ambazonia separatist fighters, who have been involved in several acts of kidnapping in Bamenda and other parts of the crisis-hit North West and South West Regions of Cameroon.

Atia Tilarious is a freelance journalist, a doctorate degree holder in political science and a member of Camasej’s Bamenda Chapter.

This was the second time the former editor of The Sun newspaper was stripped of his right to liberty.

In February 2017, the police illegally arrested him in Buea, South West Region, in connection with the ongoing separatist armed conflict in the English-speaking Regions.

Then, Dr Atia was an editor at The Sun. He was later charged under the anti-terrorism laws but was freed eight months later after the charges were dropped.

The recent kidnapping of Atia amplifies the challenges journalists in Cameroon are facing amid armed conflict and government repression.

Just like Atia, other journalists in Bamenda, like Ambe Awa, Larry Uchenna, and Frederick Takang, have been kidnapped in recent years.

Sports journalist Aye Nde Nsoh was unfortunately killed on May 7, 2023, after gunmen stormed a local bar in Bamenda.

A separatist armed faction called the Ambazonia Defence Forces (ADF) later claimed responsibility for the act amid global condemnation.