The arrest of Ayaba Cho Lucas, a leading figure in the Ambazonian separatist movement, has sparked excitement across social media platforms. As the head of the Ambazonian Governing Council (AGovC), Ayaba has been at the forefront of advocating for the independence of the English-speaking regions of Cameroon. His arrest, confirmed on the night of September 24th, 2024, has triggered widespread celebrations, particularly among those who oppose the armed conflict in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions.
Social Media Reactions
Across social media, two key sentiments stand out: widespread celebration over the arrest and increasing calls for his extradition to Cameroon. A social media user, Nchechuma Wanyi, exclaimed, “Good news ever!” while another user, Bali General, wrote, “Sweet news. I can’t express my joy.” Gigi Venome echoed a popular sentiment: “They should send him to Cameroon, especially to Bamenda town, and allow him to face the population. That is where he will understand that he does not control ground zero.”
Ayaba Cho Lucas has long been a significant voice advocating for creating a separate state called ‘Ambazonia. He is well known for often inciting violence and destruction, including the killing of both civilians and state forces. His arrest reportedly follows an extensive investigation by Norway’s National Criminal Investigation Service, commonly known as Kripos, a special agency of the Norwegian Police Service. It is seen as a major development in the ongoing conflict, which has ravaged Cameroon’s North West and South West regions since 2016.
Celebrations in Bamenda
In Bamenda, celebrations erupted as residents expressed hope that Ayaba’s arrest could mark the beginning of a long-awaited peace in the region. “This is the breakthrough we have been waiting for. For years, we have lived in fear of attacks from both the separatists and the military. Maybe now, things will change,” said Esther Ngu, a relieved social media user.
While many have welcomed the news, not everyone is optimistic about the future. Supporters of Ayaba Cho fear that his arrest could escalate the violence. “Will this arrest end the crisis in the North West and South West?” asked Teboh Dave. “Since the Nera 10 were arrested, what has changed? Instead, the separatists have become more strategized with sophisticated weapons. Let’s fix Cameroon by addressing the root causes, not arresting people here and there.”
Other social media users have pointed out that previous arrests of separatist leaders, such as Sisiku Ayuk Tabe, did not end the conflict. Bih Blanche voiced similar concerns: “This is the beginning of good things for Southern Cameroon. When they arrested Sisiku Ayuk Tabe, many celebrated, but nothing changed. The crisis is about a people, not a person.”
Growing Calls for Ayaba Cho’s Extradition
The arrest has sparked growing demands for Ayaba Cho to be extradited to Cameroon. Sah Minister Kosho remarked, “You cannot be fighting a war from a distance. Let him come and rescue the children he incited to fight the government.” Naps King expressed a similar sentiment, suggesting that Ayaba should face the reality on the ground: “He should be sent to Cameroon to fight for his freedom from ground zero. Not ordering people to fight while he drinks champagne and sleeps in air conditioning.”
Many, especially those affected by the violence, are celebrating the arrest. Mobey Théodore Theos Doron declared, “Finally, the criminal has been arrested,” while Laminou Mohamadou added, “Well done. Anu, Boh Herbert, and others should prepare themselves. It’s only a matter of days before they’re arrested too.”
However, some remain skeptical about the broader impact of Ayaba’s arrest. Kum Cyprian commented, “Even if all the leaders are arrested, it won’t make a difference. Their arrest is not the solution. A roundtable discussion is what we need.”
A Turning Point or Further Escalation?
As the news of Ayaba Cho Lucas’ arrest continues to circulate, many residents, unable to speak openly for fear of retaliation from separatist fighters, have turned to social media to voice their opinions. Both supporters and opponents of the separatist movement are anxiously waiting to see what happens next. For some, the arrest marks a potential turning point, while for others, it raises concerns about whether the conflict will intensify or move closer to resolution.
As one commentator, Achuo Marie, expressed, “Chaiii, God have mercy on us. I wonder if schools will even resume in the regions affected.”
