MMI News can confirm that a civilian, Atong Ignatius Achondo, was kidnapped, tortured, and killed by armed men led by separatist commander Ngeh Cyprian, popularly known as The Only Bro.
The killing is the latest in a long and escalating series of abuses directly attributed to Cyprian and his group across Kedjom Ketinguh, Bamessing, and surrounding communities.
Abduction After Burial and Failed Ransom Negotiations
According to family members who spoke to MMI News, Achondo — a native of Kedjom Ketinguh who lived in Buea — returned home to attend his aunt’s burial in Sabga.
He was abducted on Friday, 6 February 2026, while returning from the burial. Family sources confirmed that the abductors identified themselves as Ngeh Cyprian and his men and communicated directly with the family during ransom negotiations. A ransom of five million FCFA was demanded.
Before the family could mobilise and deliver the money, Achondo was tortured and killed. His body was dumped on the night of Sunday, 8 February 2026, at a public square in Buh.
A relative told MMI News:
“This is my brother who was killed by the Amba of Bamessing on Sunday night.”
MMI News is withholding further identifying details to protect the victim’s family from possible reprisals.
Direct Responsibility Attributed to Ngeh Cyprian
Family members insist this was not an attack by unidentified fighters claiming allegiance. They state that Ngeh Cyprian himself and his group were directly responsible, citing direct phone communications during ransom negotiations and prior familiarity with his operations in the area.
Although Cyprian is from Bamessing, residents say his fighters operate extensively in Kedjom Ketinguh, where this killing occurred.
Over the past two years, MMI News has documented a sustained pattern of kidnappings, killings, torture, ransom extortion and armed raids carried out by fighters led by Ngeh Cyprian.
The incidents span Kedjom Ketinguh, Bamessing, Bamukumbit, and surrounding communities. Below is a consolidated account of confirmed attacks and abuses attributed to Cyprian and his group.
Kidnappings, Ransom and Extortion
Bamukumbit Ultimatum — August 2024
In August 2024, Cyprian issued an audio ultimatum to residents of Bamukumbit demanding 12 million FCFA to purchase weapons. The message included a direct threat that villagers would face kidnappings for ransom if the money was not paid. The demand was widely interpreted locally as organised extortion under threat of violence.
Funeral Attack and Mass Kidnapping — February 22, 2025
On 22 February 2025, mourners attending a funeral in Kedjom Ketinguh were attacked. Civilians were abducted, four vehicles were seized, and a ransom of 28 million FCFA was demanded. The attack reinforced fears that even funeral gatherings were no longer safe from armed intrusion.
Bamessing Church Attack — February 19, 2025
Days earlier, on 19 February 2025, Cyprian’s fighters carried out an assault in Bamessing in which five civilians were killed, including a woman and her newborn child. Witnesses reported that civilians were forced out of a church before being shot.
Raid and Kidnappings — April 3, 2025
On 3 April 2025, armed men led by Cyprian stormed Kedjom Ketinguh, firing gunshots repeatedly in the air before abducting at least two civilians, including the wife of businessman and village leader Bah Awongie and another man identified as Kenneth.
Abduction of Barnabas Wechui — May 2025
In May 2025, businessman Barnabas Wechui was abducted in Kedjom Ketinguh. His release reportedly came only after a 5 million FCFA ransom was paid. Following his release, he was confirmed to have been shot in the leg, with evidence of physical abuse during captivity.
Six Civilians Kidnapped — September 2, 2025
On 2 September 2025, six civilians were abducted in Kedjom Ketinguh. Each was reportedly required to pay 3 million FCFA. One victim, Mr. Vichas, who could only raise 50,000 FCFA, was severely tortured, with the veins at the back of his feet cut. He survived but was hospitalised in critical condition.
Throughout 2025, more than 35 kidnappings were linked to Cyprian’s operations, many involving ransom demands and physical abuse.
Killings and Executions
Two Civilians Killed — June 27, 2024
In mid-2024, two young civilians were shot and killed in an incident attributed to Cyprian’s fighters, marking one of the early deadly episodes in what would become a sustained campaign of violence.
Killing of Leo Vishi Newuh — January 2025
In early 2025, Leo Vishi Newuh was abducted, tortured, and killed in Bamessing. The case remains one of the most cited examples of targeted civilian killings attributed to Cyprian’s group.
Public Execution at Funeral — August 2025
In August 2025, during the burial of a young man killed by the military, Cyprian reportedly arrived at the family compound and executed the deceased’s brother in front of mourners. Villagers later confirmed he returned searching for the victim’s mother, who had fled.
Torture and Physical Abuse
Multiple victims across 2024 and 2025 confirmed severe physical abuse while in captivity. These include:
- The May 2025 shooting and abuse of Barnabas Wechui.
- The September 2025 torture of Mr. Vichas.
- Additional cases in which victims were beaten, mutilated, or subjected to degrading treatment during ransom negotiations.
MMI News reporting over the period consistently documents torture and extortion as defining features of Cyprian’s operations.
Denials and Contradictions
In January 2026, Cyprian released a video response denying involvement in certain kidnappings. However, the denial did not address the broader pattern of documented abductions, killings, ransom demands, and torture cases recorded over the past two years.
Armed Clashes
On February 9, 2025, Cameroonian security forces launched an operation targeting Cyprian’s camp in Bamessing. Two fighters were reportedly killed and three arrested, while Cyprian escaped. Despite the operation, attacks and kidnappings continued in subsequent months.
A Sustained Pattern
From ransom ultimatums and mass funeral raids to executions and torture, the record shows a sustained pattern of organised violence attributed to Ngeh Cyprian and his fighters across Kedjom Ketinguh, Bamessing and neighbouring villages.
The cumulative impact has been profound:
- Funerals disrupted
- Churches attacked
- Civilians abducted in broad daylight
- Families forced into ransom payments
- Survivors left physically and psychologically scarred
As communities continue to live under fear, residents say the absence of consistent enforcement action has enabled repeated abuses.
Unanswered Questions Over Allegiance
Ngeh Cyprian claims loyalty to U.S.-based separatist leader Samuel Ikome Sako. However, an exclusive video previously obtained by MMI News showed a portrait of President Paul Biya displayed inside Cyprian’s home — a symbol widely associated in Cameroon with loyalty to the ruling CPDM regime.
Cyprian has never publicly explained the presence of the image, nor has he accounted for the numerous kidnappings, torture cases, and killings attributed to him. While he has issued audio messages denying involvement in select incidents, he has remained silent on the broader pattern of abuses.
Authorities Remain Silent
Despite repeated reports and mounting civilian casualties, Cameroonian authorities have issued no public statement regarding Achondo’s killing or the broader record of crimes attributed to Ngeh Cyprian. No arrests or official security operations targeting his group have been announced.
Communities Living in Fear
Residents of Kedjom Ketinguh, Bamessing, and neighbouring villages report living under constant fear, with abductions and killings disrupting funerals, religious gatherings, and daily life. Many say the absence of visible intervention has left civilians exposed and unprotected.
