The former Mayor of Bafut, Langsi Abel, has now spent his sixth night in captivity after being abducted by suspected separatist fighters in Bafut.
Bafut residents recount that Langsi Abel was whisked away on November 14, but his captors are yet to contact his family, or make any demands.
Mr Langsi was last seen publicly on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, when he donated financial aid to orphans in primary schools in Agyati, Nsem, Njinteh, Njibujang, Mbebali and Manji, in Bafu Subdivision, through the Langsi Foundation.
The reason for his abduction remains uncertain, leaving the local population and his family in fear and confusion.
Some community members speculate that the act may be politically motivated, given Langsi Abel’s past role as Mayor with the opposition Social Democratic Front Party, while others suggest it could be linked to the general insecurity that has plagued the North West and South West Regions amid the ongoing Anglophone Crisis.
Kidnappings for ransom and politically motivated abductions have become a frequent occurrence in the conflict-hit North West and South West Regions, where separatist fighters have been battling government forces since 2016.
These incidents often target politicians, traditional authorities, and humanitarian workers, further destabilizing the region.
Langsi was in Bafut to fulfill his late father’s wish of helping orphans access education.
He explained to reporters during the donation that his action was apolitical, given that “I was carrying out the wish of my late father, Pa Johnson Langsi, on behalf of the family. He wished that children be educated even though he was never opportuned to go to school”.
By an MMI Correspondent