Cameroonian authorities have detained five Nigerian pastors and several others residing in Idabato II, a community in the former Bakassi Peninsula, following the abduction of the area’s Divisional Officer, Ewane Roland, in early October.
The arrest, carried out by Cameroon’s gendarmerie, was triggered after gunmen kidnapped Roland and another official, Etongo Ismaeil, on October 1, 2024. The gunmen reportedly used a speedboat to whisk the officials away, prompting a military crackdown in the area.
Nigerians Blamed for Abduction
Eniola Alabo, a former chairman of the Yoruba community in Bakassi, revealed to Saturday PUNCH that Cameroonian authorities have held Nigerians responsible for Roland’s abduction. In response, soldiers raided the community, shooting sporadically and detaining several Nigerian residents.
Among those arrested during the raid were Iseoluwa Eniola, Feran Ajimosun, Idowu Ajimosun, Abiola Ajimosun, and others. The arrests have left residents in a state of fear and anxiety, with many fleeing to neighboring communities in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States in Nigeria.
Governor Declares Lockdown
On October 8, 2024, the Governor of Cameroon’s South-West Region, Bernard Okalia, imposed a total lockdown on Idabato, predominantly inhabited by Nigerian fishermen. Okalia ordered all shops and churches closed and restricted movement in and out of the area, issuing a 72-hour ultimatum for the abducted official to be found.
The lockdown, which lasted for weeks, paralyzed economic activities and pushed residents into hunger. Defying the lockdown order in early November, some Nigerians resumed fishing, a move that provoked further military action.
On November 10 and 11, Cameroonian soldiers returned to Idabato, firing gunshots into the air and arresting more Nigerians, including five pastors who had resumed church activities.
Pastors Detained
The arrested pastors include Adeleke Omoniye, Cascar Ubom, Etim Asuquo, Olamide Ayeye, and Umoh Atete. According to Alabo, the arrests occurred during a church service in defiance of the governor’s directive against public gatherings.
Johnson, a Nigerian leader in the area, expressed concern for the pastors’ safety, stating that their whereabouts remain unknown despite unconfirmed reports of their release.
Nigerians Flee Amid Rising Tensions
The ongoing crackdown has forced many Nigerians in Idabato to flee to safer locations. Residents report living in constant fear as Cameroonian authorities intensify their efforts to curb alleged tax evasion and enforce control over the area.
During the lockdown, a Nigerian woman, Esther Okon, died from complications after childbirth due to the lack of medical facilities and movement restrictions. Her death highlights the severe humanitarian impact of the ongoing crisis.
Tax Controversy
Tensions between Nigerians and Cameroonian authorities have also been fueled by allegations of tax evasion. While residents claim they pay taxes regularly and have receipts as proof, they suspect the funds may not be reaching the appropriate government channels.
Calls for Intervention
Efforts to secure diplomatic intervention have so far been unsuccessful. Alabo disclosed that attempts to engage the Cameroonian Consulate-General in Nigeria yielded no results, while NiDCOM and Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have yet to take decisive action.
NiDCOM’s Head of Media, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, explained that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as it involves two governments. However, no official statement has been issued by the ministry.
Historical Context
The Bakassi Peninsula was ceded to Cameroon following a 2002 International Court of Justice ruling and a subsequent 2006 Greentree Agreement between Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Paul Biya. Despite this, over 50,000 Nigerians still reside in the peninsula, insisting it remains their ancestral home.
As tensions escalate, there are growing calls for urgent intervention to protect the rights and safety of Nigerians in Idabato while ensuring a resolution to the ongoing crisis.
