The community of Bamenda is grieving following the tragic killing of Nuyab Kingsley Tatah, popularly known as Ike, a hard-working businessman who hailed from Bali Nyonga in Cameroon’s restive North West Region , where a bloody separatist conflict has persisted for more than ten years. Ike was killed on the 14th November 2025.
Nuyab, who worked in the wood sector, also ran a business transporting corpses and constructing coffins for burials. He was admired by many for his determination to progress despite the challenges of life in a conflict zone. He had recently bought a vehicle to assist with his funeral services business and was building a home in Naka, near Bamenda.
What Happened?
Earlier reports suggested that Kingsley had been shot while returning from Bambui after completing a task with colleagues. However, a family friend who spoke to MMI provided a different testimony, revealing fears that an “armed criminal” may be responsible.
“I am not sure he was killed by separatists,” the source said. “This conflict has led to the creation of several groups who now move around and target people. They are armed. It could be separatists being paid to do that — but we are not sure.”
The friend insists that jealousy and a set-up were behind the killing.
“In Kingsley’s case, it is a setup. They are just jealous of him,” the source added. “He received a strange call yesterday evening. They told him to bring his vehicle for a job — to transport a corpse.”
According to the account, Nuyab had planned to bathe and eat after returning home, but the urgent call prompted him to leave again. His wife had already warmed water for him, unaware it would be the last time she saw him alive.
“He took his vehicle and went towards Bambili. Behind him was a motorcycle with two men — one riding and another armed. When he reached the location where they said he should park and take a bike to the final destination, the gunman came down and shot him twice in the neck.”
The gunmen reportedly fled immediately, leaving Nuyab to die on the spot.
MMI is still investigating the identities of Nuyab’s killers and their motives.
Family in grief
Loved ones say jealousy over his rising success may have made him a target.
“They said they have been jealous of him because of his progress,” the family friend told MMI. “He is the only heir in the family. His mother is a widow. This is a big loss.”
The killing adds to a long list of unresolved murders in the Anglophone regions, where gunmen and Separatists, and government soldiers— continue to operate with impunity.
“We are in pain, we are mourning; this is difficult to digest. How long will we continue to live like this?” another source added.
Nuyab leaves behind two children, a pregnant wife, and the entire Bali Nyongha community to mourn him.