The Cameroonian Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, has remained silent as kidnappers continue to hold Ewane Roland, the Divisional Officer (D.O.) of Idabato Subdivision, in captivity.
This silence is uncharacteristic for Minister Atanga Nji, who often responds swiftly and decisively to security or public order issues. He frequently asserts his authority by banning opposition activities or restricting journalists. Yet, in this case, despite the crisis directly involving his ministry, the Minister has refrained from public comments or actions.
Government Reacts After Long Delay
Kidnappers, identified as Nigerian pirates operating near the disputed Bakassi Peninsula, abducted Ewane Roland and an employee of the Idabato Municipal Council more than 50 days ago. The pirates have demanded a ransom of over 1 billion FCFA and the release of a detained associate from the Buea Central Prison.
The government waited 50 days before issuing an official response. Minister of Communication René Emmanuel Sadi, speaking on behalf of the government, pledged that authorities would take all necessary measures to secure the hostages’ release. Minister Atanga Nji also conveyed President Paul Biya’s sympathies to the victims’ families and assured them of ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis. However, the government has not clarified whether it plans to negotiate with the kidnappers.
Kidnappers Threaten Hostages
Weeks ago, shocking images emerged showing the D.O. and the municipal worker tied to wooden stakes in what appeared to be a dense forest. The kidnappers threatened to kill the hostages unless they met their demands.
Southwest Governor Okalia Bilai travelled by sea to Idabato shortly after the images surfaced to address the situation. He issued the kidnappers a 72-hour ultimatum to release the hostages. Members of the local Nigerian community colluded with the kidnappers, he alleged, claiming that the D.O. had been targeted for combating tax evasion and illegal activities by Nigerian businessmen. The governor also shut down business activities in the area. Despite these actions, the D.O. remains in captivity, and the 72-hour deadline passed weeks ago without resolution.
A Pattern of Abductions
A Divisional Officer has been kidnapped before. In 2018, separatist fighters took Namata Marcel Diteng, the D.O. of Batibo Subdivision in the Northwest Region, during the Anglophone crisis. Officials confirmed after four months that the separatists killed Namata Marcel, and the government’s response was similarly delayed.
These abductions highlight the deteriorating security in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions. If state-protected officials like D.O.s are at risk, ordinary citizens face even greater dangers.
Diplomatic Efforts Underway
Governor Okalia Bilai has initiated discussions with the Nigerian Consul General to the Northwest and Southwest regions to pursue a diplomatic resolution. Authorities believe the kidnappers transported their victims to Nigerian territory, making international cooperation critical to resolving the crisis.
This incident raises serious concerns about the government’s ability to protect officials and citizens in volatile regions. The lack of decisive action from Minister Atanga Nji has amplified fears for the hostages’ safety and left many questioning the government’s strategy for dealing with such threats.
