Five prominent residents of Chomba, a village in the troubled North West region, were kidnapped by militants from the Ambazonia separatist movement more than a week ago and remain missing. The abducted individuals include T’a Ntume, a village council elder; Fon Tara, the father of a former separatist fighter; Annu Samson, president of the Chomba Cultural and Development Association; Peter Atoh, who manages the local water project; and a local church pastor.
The kidnappings occurred shortly after a military raid killed a prominent separatist leader, known as General 5-Star. The incident may be linked to the recent surrender of Nji Tara, a former separatist fighter, to the government’s Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) Center—a decision that seems to have angered the separatist forces. No demands have surfaced, and the captives’ locations remain a mystery. Sources suggest that the five were targeted over allegations of collaborating with government forces.
Chomba has witnessed significant separatist activity and hosts a military post. Both the separatists and government forces have faced allegations of violence against unarmed civilians, including kidnappings, extortion, killings, and harassment. This ongoing conflict has placed immense strain on the region, with both sides accused of various human rights violations.
The abduction of these prominent figures has sent shockwaves through the community, exacerbating the already tense atmosphere in Chomba. Families of the kidnapped individuals are living in fear and uncertainty, hoping for their safe return. The local community has called for immediate action from the government and international bodies to secure the release of the abducted residents and to address the root causes of the conflict.
The Ambazonia separatist movement, which seeks independence for the Anglophone regions of Cameroon, has been engaged in a violent struggle with government forces since 2016. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. The separatists have been accused of using kidnapping as a tactic to intimidate and exert control over local populations, while government forces have been criticized for their heavy-handed response and human rights abuses.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon. Human rights organizations have called for an end to the violence and for both sides to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the conflict. The United Nations and other international bodies have urged the Cameroonian government to protect civilians and ensure that those responsible for human rights violations are held accountable.
As the situation in Chomba remains dire, the hope is that increased international attention and pressure will lead to a resolution of the conflict and the safe return of the kidnapped individuals. The community continues to pray for their loved ones and to call for peace and justice in the region. Five Prominent Chomba Residents Kidnapped by Separatists Remain Missing
