An elderly man, identified as Barnabas Wechui, was reportedly abducted by suspected Ambazonian separatist fighters in Kedjom Ketinguh, a village in Cameroon’s Northwest Region. Eyewitnesses indicate that Wechui was returning from church when he was intercepted near Chuhbar, a locality within the village. He was allegedly subjected to physical abuse before being transported to an undisclosed location.
Ngeh Cyprian Accused
Preliminary reports suggest that the abduction was orchestrated by a separatist commander known as Ngeh Cyprian, alias “The Only Bro,” who is believed to exert significant influence over armed groups operating in the area. Cyprian has been previously linked to multiple incidents involving the kidnapping and killing of civilians in Kedjom Ketinguh and surrounding communities.
Long History of Attacks
This would not be the first time that Ngeh Cyprian and his gang are targeting civilians in the area. Recently, he kidnapped two persons from Kedjom Ketinguh and one from Bamessing. They were tortured, paid ransom before being released. Prior to that, his gang targetted people at a fiuneral and kidnapped at least 22 of them. Also in January 2025, Cyprian’s fighters were implicated in the abduction and subsequent killing of Leo Vishi Newuh, a resident of Kedjom Ketinguh. According to reports, Newuh was taken from his family compound, tortured, and later killed despite a ransom demand being made to his relatives.
In 2024, Ngeh summarily executed two young men in public unprovoked.
Wider Pattern
The region has witnessed a surge in abductions and violence attributed to separatist groups. In May 2023, over 30 women were kidnapped in Big Babanki (also known as Kedjom Keku) by separatists enforcing illegal taxes and curfews. Some of the abducted women were reportedly subjected to severe mistreatment before their release.
Analysts note that such abductions have become a means for separatist groups to finance their operations amid dwindling resources. The lack of centralized command among separatist factions has led to increased criminal activities, including kidnappings for ransom and extortion of local populations.
Local communities continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing conflict, with civilians facing threats from both separatist fighters and government forces. The abduction of Barnabas Wechui highlights the persistent insecurity in the region and the challenges faced by residents amid the protracted Anglophone crisis.
Many people have suggested that the separatists are able to operate with impunity in this area with the complicity of people within the administration. These findings are corroborated by a video of Ngeh Cyprian which MMi uncovered with a portrait of President Biya on the wall of his house. This hypocritical revelations paint a complex image of complicity with the same regime separatists claim to be fighting.
Note: This article is based on available reports and eyewitness accounts. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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