By Noela EBOB BISONG
The alarming rate of killings and kidnappings in the last five weeks in the crisis-plagued North West and South West regions is sending shock waves within and out of Cameroon, defeating every thought of a return to normalcy in the restive regions.
The most recent of the attacks took place in Ndian Division, South West, last November 18, where reports say about eight persons were gun down by a supposed separatist fighter who goes by the pseudo name ‘FM Focus’ in Pondo Balue village. It remains uncertain the exact reason for the murder of the eight civilians, but the pain, sorrow and heartbreak from the incident again tells of the plight of the residents of the North West and South West regions, in line with the sociopolitical tensions which started in late 2016.
The Pondo Balue killings occurred barely few days after atleast three persons lost their lives in a gun attack on a Mosque in Sabga,
in Kedjom Ketinguh, Tubah Subdivision, North West Region. The assault is said to have been allegedly carried out by separatist fighters, coordinated by a certain “Mohammed”, alongside another known as “General Never Die”. The attack occurred when the fighters allegedly stormed the Mosque and shot indiscriminately at worshipers during prayers.
In Ndu, North West, Honourable Abe Michael Ndra, a Member of Parliament representing the Ako/Misaje constituency in the North West was killed by suspected separatist fighters. He was abducted on October 15, 2025, in Ndu Subdivision while returning from electoral duties. His body was discovered on October 22, 2025, at the Mbo’nso market.
So also was the shooting to death of a pastor of the Cameroon Baptist Convention in Ndu Field. Rev. Njoh Desmond was killed around the Ndu area on November 8.
Again, the brutal murder of the North West Regional Delegate of Livestick, Fisheries and Animal Industries, Dr Dasi Walters in Nkwen, Bamenda, last October 28 by alleged Separatist fighters only adds to the list of atrocities on the population of the two restive regions.
The population was again taken aback when news broke out of the kidnap of some Priests, who spent several days in captivity in Ndop, North West. The SUN learnt that five of the Priests alongside a lay preacher were later released after some days, but one remained in captivity, as the abductors demanded a ransom. This came after the Archbishop had informed all Christians, priests and others to come out on Friday and storm Baba I to cause the priests to be released.
The indiscriminate killings and kidnappings remain a nightmare to hopes of an end to the nine-year socio-political crisis in the two regions. The tensions were birthed from grievances by lawyers and teachers, displayed in strike actions.
Archbishop Andrew Nkea voices firm measures to secure priest’s release
Reacting to the recent kidnap of the priests and the continuous keeping in captivity of one of them (Father John Tatah), the Archbishop of Bamenda, His Grace Andrew Fuanya Nkea, issued a firm statement which was programmed to be read in churches on Sunday.
Explaining how the kidnap incidents occurred between November 15 and 18, the Archbishop maintains that the Catholic Church cannot pay ransom for the release of the priest, as demanded by the abductors who are believed to be a group of Separatist fighters.
According to the statement, all Catholics across the Archdiocese are instructed to recite the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel after Communion at every Mass, imploring divine intervention for the priest’s liberation.
Archbishop Nkea voices that if Fr. Tatah is not released by Wednesday, November 26, all parishes, schools, and Catholic institutions within Ndop Deanery will be shut down, and clergy and religious personnel withdrawn for their safety. The Blessed Sacrament will be removed from all worship spaces and tabernacles left open.
He prescribes that should the captivity continue beyond Friday, November 28, then himself, alongside all priests, religious, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese, will march to Baba I to either bring Fr. Tatah home or remain there until he is freed.
While condemning the growing wave of kidnappings affecting both clergy and civilians, Archbishop Nkea says, “this should stop with immediate effect”, while urging security forces to act professionally and refrain from exploiting civilians. He has also called on all stakeholders in the nine-year conflict to pursue dialogue for lasting peace.