The kidnap of councilors in Njinikom
Subdivision in Boyo Division of the North West Region has become a recent
development coming with already existing security challenges in the area.
Councilor Bangha Mercy Neng of the Muloin
council constituency was the first victim to be taken away by the kidnappers.
According to our sources in Muloin Ninikom, she was kidnapped in the night of March
28. Shortly after her kidnap, it emerged that the kidnappers were asking for a
ransom of FCFA 1.5M. From what we gathered she was freed on Thursday at about
midday after her husband; a pastor of the Baptist Church and the family managed
to secure half the ransom amount with the promise that they were going to
complete the money. At press time facts were still sketchy as to whether the
money was completed.
The municipality was trying to get settled
with the case Councilor Bangha Mercy, news of Councilor Mawein Lawrence kidnap
emerged from his community of Bobong a Council constituency still in Njinikom.
According to our sources in Bobong, he was kidnapped from his residence at
about 2pm Friday March 30. At press time Councilor Mawein is said to have gained
freedom but nothing has been heard about how much ransom was paid.
Speculations are rife that the kidnappers
have pitched their tent in a Belo Subdivision though information on the kidnap
of a councilor of the Belo Council remains sketchy at press time.
Several persons are of the opinion that the
kidnappers are part of what is now called the Ambazonia fighters punishing the
councilors for violating the call for a boycott of the just past senatorial
elections. Others are however of the school of thought that hardened criminals
looking for money are the ones who are responsible for the kidnaps and demand
for ransom.
Reports say panic has gripped the
municipality of Mayor Chah Bam Terence following the two cases of kidnap as
everyone ponders over who is next.
During the March 25 Senatorial elections, of
the 25 Councilors of the Nijinikom, two voted through proxies.
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