Francois Franklin Etapa, the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Nyong and Mfoumou Division in Cameroon’s Centre Region, has raised concerns about potential kidnappers posing as taxi drivers and commercial motorcycle riders. In a press release dated October 21, 2024, the SDO alerted the public, particularly schools, to be vigilant.
“The SDO of Nyong and Mfoumou Division brings to the attention of heads of educational establishments that reliable information indicates that bandits specialized in kidnapping children, particularly high school students, are in the process of maturing a heinous plan aimed at sowing chaos in families through kidnappings while posing as motorcycle riders and taxi drivers,” the statement reads.
Etapa urged school administrators to take the information seriously, calling on them to enhance security measures. He emphasized the importance of caution: “School administrators must exercise caution and vigilance by strengthening security around educational establishments.”
He also advised students to avoid accepting rides from unknown motorcyclists. At the same time, the SDO reassured the public that security forces are actively working to prevent any kidnapping attempts.
“The SDO reassures the community that law enforcement forces received firm instructions to thwart this odious plan by appropriate means,” Etapa stated, reaffirming efforts to safeguard the community.
