The congregation at All Saints Parish Church in Bayelle sat in mournful silence on Saturday, 12 October 2024, as a solemn message was delivered on behalf of the Paramount Fon of Nso, HRH Sehm Mbinglo I.
The royal message, shared during the funeral of Shey Fontar Venacius, a prominent son of Nso, struck a deep chord with those gathered, many of whom were Nso people who, for years, have buried their loved ones far from home due to the ongoing armed conflict in the North West Region.
Faces in the crowd were heavy with sadness, eyes reflecting both grief and weariness as the delegation of three: Shey Dr. Edward Bulami, Shey Woo-bii-wong (known as Ngando Peter or Pee Bread), and another representative, delivered the Fon's strong words. In an emotional tone, they asked the painful question that has lingered over Nso for over eight years: "Koo ka ven?" Loosely translated as "What is holding you people?"
The question hung in the air, met with quiet sobs and reflective silence. The Fon's message was a reminder of the countless Nso sons and daughters who have been buried far from their homeland since the outbreak of the conflict that has gripped the region. For many, like Shey Fontar Venacius, a prince and respected notable, being laid to rest away from Nso would have been unimaginable in peaceful times. Yet, under the shadow of ongoing violence, such circumstances have become the harsh reality.
Among those attending the funeral, the stories of hardship in attempting to return to Nso for burials were many, but most remained anonymous out of fear for their safety. One mourner recalled a traumatic experience when he tried to attend a relative’s funeral in Nso.
"I was kidnapped and told to pay 300,000 FCFA for my release. I spent so much money around that funeral. I would have spent less if we had buried the person here in Bamenda." He shared
Another attendee, who braved the dangerous roads to accompany a loved one to Nso for burial, recounted the ordeal of passing through multiple checkpoints controlled by non-state armed groups.
"We went through six checkpoints. We had to pay at least 20,000 FCFA for the deceased, and each of us was asked to pay our own 'passes.' We spent so much money just to make it through," they explained, the frustration evident in their voice.
A third person spoke of terrifying encounters where coffins were confiscated as ransom, with people being kidnapped until money was paid.
"I have heard too many terrible stories of caskets being taken and people being held for ransom. I can't risk going to Nso anymore," she said, shaking her head in despair.
The congregation, many of whom had faced similar fears and financial burdens, listened with saddened faces as these stories mirrored their own struggles.
As the delegation continued to speak on behalf of the Fon, the weight of the situation seemed to settle over the crowd like a thick cloud of shared grief and helplessness.
Despite the sombre mood, the Fon's message ended with words of gratitude to the Nso people, both those in the diaspora and those who continue to support him and the community through these trying times.
"Each time I call at night, you respond in the morning. I say thank you. I hope to express my gratitude to you physically when we meet." the Fon's message noted
For many in the congregation, those words brought a glimmer of hope, even if the road to peace and home seemed distant. The funeral ended with a heavy sense of reflection on how long this conflict would continue to separate the Nso people from their land and their traditions.
By Asheri Loveline
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