By Atia Tilarious Azohnwi
About seven Fako Chiefs have been kidnapped by separatists in the last one week, The SUN has learnt. Ambazonia activists, an outlawed group, accuse the traditional rulers of using mystical powers to frustrate their revolution. The separatists claim that the custodians of Fako tradition have buried virgins to weaken the potency of the “odeshi” powers the boys have been using to stay invincible.
Those kidnapped include: Chief Njombe Njoke Johnson of Wokaka, Chief Njie William Mbanda of Lysoka Moliwe, Chief Liteke of Maumu and his son Prince Molua, Chief Kombe Paul Njie of Musaka, Chief Peter Lisongo of Woteva, Chief Herman Njumbe of Wokwe, and Chief Molinga Francis of Lewu la Malale.
“The Fako Chiefs arrested [kidnapped] by restoration forces are now confessing giving details why, how these virgins were buried. It is appalling that some of the notables in collaboration with the regime are killing and planting virgins to neutralise what they call Amba powers,” activist Mark Bareta wrote on Facebook.
According to Ambazonia apologists, those who do not like their modus operandi should steer clear, instead of fighting them.
“Our people must understand that if you do not like Amba or hate separation, why fight it? How does separation affect you? … Trying to betray and rise against it means that you are rising against the people and actions like that cannot be tolerated,” Bareta warns.
Senators, MPs ordered to resign
Bareta claims that they are not against traditional rulers, but they will go after anyone who says anything that may jeopardise their struggle in any way.
This new twist has sent fear down the spines of the custodians of the Bakweri Tradition in Fako Division. Many chiefs are now asking why separatists are specialised in only kidnapping Fako Chiefs. They suggest that it may not be unconnected to the jealousy many have for Fako chiefs – most Fako chiefs are well to do and are educated. Other schools say it may be some scores-settling mechanism.
Separatists are also reported to have sent threats to Members of Parliament and Senators in the North West and South West Regions calling on them to resign before July 21, 2018. They accuse the people’s representative of instead representing their families, stomachs and President Paul Biya.
They particularly urge the following: Senators Emma Lafon, Regina Mundi, Agnes Ntube, Hon. Lifaka Emilia, Hon. Esther Ngala and Hon. Meyali Meboka to take the lead because they know the pain of child birth.
Lebialem ‘prince’ joins separatists?
Someone dressed in traditional regalia and referring to himself as ‘prince’ in Lebialem could be heard, in a video that has since gone viral on social media, urging traditional rulers to follow the will of the people. The identity of the said individual remains doubtful but he claims to have been enthroned together with late Senator Fon Fontem Njifua in 1982. He could be heard pledging his loyalty to separatists.