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Why Cameroonian Authorities Detained Five Nigerian Pastors – Sources

Published

3 months ago

November 23, 2024

Five Nigerian pastors and others residing in the Idabato II community of Cameroon, formerly known as the Bakassi Peninsula, have been arrested and detained by the Cameroonian authorities.

Their detention followed the kidnap of the community’s Divisional Officer, Ewane Roland, by armed men in early October.

A former chairman of the Yoruba community in the defunct Bakassi Peninsula, Eniola Alabo, disclosed this to The PUNCH during an interview.

Local media had reported that Roland, alongside another official of the council, Etongo Ismaeil, was whisked away on October 1, 2024, by gunmen who used a flying boat in the coastal area.

According to Alabo, the Cameroonian government blamed Nigerians in the area for Roland’s abduction and deployed soldiers to arrest them.

“The Gendarmerie came to the community and started shooting sporadically into the air on the day they arrested some of these Nigerians,” Alabo said.

The man explained that his compatriots in the troubled community called and explained that the incident had plunged them into panic and anxiety in the border town.

During the raid, some Nigerians, including Iseoluwa Eniola, Feran Ajimosun, Idowu Ajimosun, Abiola Ajimosun, Blessing Ajimosun, Sunny Bassey, Feran Samagbeyi, and Godwin were detained in Idabato II.

Governor locks down community

It was gathered that Cameroon’s South-West Governor, Bernard Okalia, visited Idabato on October 8, 2024.

He was said to have declared a total lockdown of the area, which had mostly Nigerians who were fishermen.

Okalia was said to have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to both Nigerians and Cameroonians in the community to produce Roland alive.

A clip of the visit, obtained by The PUNCH, showed him saying, “All shops are closed…the churches are closed till further notice. No exit, no entry in this whole Idabato.”

Alabo said Nigerians in the community were rendered economically handicapped, leading to hunger and frustration.

Residents, however, reportedly defied the governor’s order in the first week of November to go about their fishing business.

“They stayed at home doing nothing for three weeks. The people were hungry because their source of livelihood was put on hold. They had to go out to eat,” Alabo said.

The action was said to have angered the Cameroonian authorities, who deployed soldiers in Idabato on the 10th and 11th of November 2024 to arrest Nigerians in the community.

According to Alabo, the soldiers invaded the community and started shooting sporadically in the air, which made many Nigerians suffer varying degrees of injury.

Pastors arrested

During the lockdown imposed on Nigerians in Idabato II, churches were also locked.

But when Nigerians began attending to their normal activities, churches also opened on Sunday to Christians.

“Some soldiers invaded the Assembly Church of God in the area and arrested the Nigerian pastors there because they were told not to engage in any activities,” the Bakassi Peninsula ex-leader said.

“The names of the pastors arrested by Cameroonian soldiers that day were Adeleke Omoniye, Cascar Ubom, Etim Asuquo, Olamide Ayeye, and Umoh Atete.”

Buttressing the claims, one of the Nigerian leaders in Idabato, who identified himself as Johnson for security reasons, said the lives of the pastors were in danger.

Johnson said the pastors were whisked away by the Cameroonian soldiers to unknown places.

“The Cameroonian soldiers took the pastors away,” Johnson said. “A few days later, we heard that they have been released, but we’ve not seen them.”

The source also said the incident forced many people to relocate to neighbouring communities in Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

“We are in panic,” the source revealed. “The Cameroonian authorities have made life unbearable for Nigerians in Idabato. We have all the major tribes of Nigeria here. We have Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Efik, and other people.”

Woman dies

During the lockdown, a Nigerian woman, Esther Okon died after giving birth to a baby on the 20th of October, 2024.

Okon reportedly bled to death after giving birth as she could not receive any medical treatment from the hospital.

One of the executives of the Nigerian Union in Idabato, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed this, adding that the woman had been in labour since 19th October.

The source said Okon would not have died if she had been transported to Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State but there was no movement.

“It takes only two hours by a speedboat but if we see a flying boat, it is just 45 minutes to get her to Akwa Ibom,” the source said.

Confirming the incident, another Nigerian man, who claimed to be Okon’s husband’s friend and did not disclose his identity for security reasons, said her corpse was repatriated to Nigeria after some documents were signed with the Cameroonian authorities.

“The corpse was taken to Ibaka in Nigeria after her husband signed some papers with the Cameroonian government,” the source said.

Tax payments

One of the problems causing conflicts between the Cameroonian authorities and Nigerians in Idabato is the payment of taxes.

The authorities had accused Nigerian nationals in Idabato of evading taxes but proof of adherence to the payment of taxes was shown to them on many occasions, Johnson said.

“We have documents like receipts issued to us as evidence after the payments of taxes. It is called global tax collected annually,” the source added.

The PUNCH gathered that some of the taxes might not have been remitted to appropriate quarters.

Failed interventions

When asked about the possible intervention of the offices of Consulate-Generals of the two West African countries, the Nigerian nationals said their efforts had not yielded results.

“I have gone to the office of the Consulate-General of Cameroon in Nigeria, but nothing happened. I was not allowed to see the woman. I learned that she is a new person appointed,” Alabo said.

All efforts to reach the Consulate-General of Cameroon in Nigeria were futile as both numbers and email addresses on their website appeared dormant as of the time of filing this report.

NiDCOM reaction

Meanwhile, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission disclosed to The PUNCH that the matter was for the consular division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to handle.

While explaining why it was not in the jurisdiction of the NiDCOM, the commission’s Head of Media, Abdur-Rahman Balogun said the issue now involved Nigeria and Cameroon.

“NiDCOM only engages in matters relating to Nigerian individuals in the diaspora,” Balogun said. “This case is between two governments. It should be handled by the consular office.”

“Moreover, I am not aware of the incident,” NiDCOM spokesman added.

The efforts to reach the Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning the issue did not yield result as the number was not connecting.

A message was sent to the email address of the ministry but there was no response as of the time of filing this report.

In 2002, the International Court of Justice awarded the oil-rich Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon.

On June 12, 2006, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Cameroonian President Paul Biya signed the Greentree Agreement, which outlined the withdrawal of Nigerian troops and transfer of authority.

Some Nigerians left the community to move to the coastal areas belonging to Nigerian states namely Cross River and Akwa Ibom.

Meanwhile, about 50,000 Nigerians are still residents of the Bakassi Peninsula, claiming that the now Idabato community remains their ancestral home despite being under the control of Cameroon.
PUNCH

Related Topics:chairman community Court Nigeria Nigerian

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Wike in Italy, to meet with Lombardy Region’s President, agribusiness investors

Published

4 hours ago

March 6, 2025

Admin

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike yesterday arrived Milan, Italy, ahead of official engagements with the President of Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana.

Wike is also expected to meet with agribusiness investors in the country.

The minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, announced this in a statement in Milan.

The statement said Wike departed Abuja on Tuesday night and arrived in Milan around 4:30 a.m. yesterday. He was received by the Charge d’Affairs of the Embassy of Nigeria in Italy, Ambassador Mustapha Mohammed.

“While in Milan, the FCT minister will hold a meeting with the President of Lombardy Region on Thursday, and also meet agribusiness investors.

“Lombardy is adjudged as the first region of Italy in terms of economic importance, with a population of about 10 million people. It is the second most populous region of the European Union (EU) and the second region of the European Union by nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“The FCT minister’s meeting with the Attilio Fontana will centre on seeking collaboration and evaluating possible prospects in the areas of Agriculture and Vocational Education, as well as strategic development partners with the Lombardy Region.

“Subsequently, Wike will meet investors in agribusiness and experts in vocational training, with a view to unlock new opportunities.

“The FCT Mandate Secretaries for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, and Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Lawan Geidam, as well as the Senior Special Assistant on Administration, Dr. Udo Samuel Atang, and Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Multi-Lateral Cooperation, Benedict Daudu, accompanied the Minister on the trip,” the statement said.

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Ramadan: HoR Minority Caucus counsels Muslim faithful to uphold tenets of Islam, pray for peace, unity

Published

5 hours ago

March 6, 2025

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The House of Representatives Minority Caucus advises Muslim faithful across Nigeria to abide by the tenets of Islam, pray for peace, unity and national security this Ramadan.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the caucus leaders, Rep Kingsley Chinda, Ali Isa JJC Minority Whip, Isa Madaki Deputy Leader and George Ozodinobi Deputy Minority Whip.

The caucus said “we congratulate the entire Muslim Ummah on the commencement of this year’s Holy Month of Ramadan; which is one of the major tenets of Islam.

“Conscious that Ramadan is a sacred time for spiritual growth; renewal of utmost believe in our Creator; time for seeking forgiveness, and direction.

” We urge all Muslim faithful to use this period to among other requests; pray for peaceful co-existence, love, unity, and development in Nigeria.

” Also, we urge the Muslim Ummah to pray for the security, and protection of lives and properties across the country, where, sadly, blood birth is gradually resuming in our communities.

“As we warmly felicitate with all Muslim faithful for being alive in good health to observe the Ramadan fasting, we counsel that, in this sacred month, all followers of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), Peace Be Upon Him, should embrace deep reflections, renewed faith, and demonstrate gestures of kindness to all and sundry.

“As admonished in Islam teachings, we urge our brothers and sisters to consciously extend acts of compassion, generosity, and good neighborliness towards all, especially the needy, and less privileged in the society.

“Given our firm commitment to the preservation of the lives of all Nigerians, and the need to deepen good governance, the Caucus calls on Federal Government to tackle the resumed cases of killings in the society.

“It is imperative to also call on all security agencies to ensure that such cases of killings, maiming, and bloodletting are comprehensively curtailed during the Holy Month of Ramadan, and post-fasting period.

“Finally , as Muslim faithful rededicate themselves, and reflect on the purpose and lessons of Ramadan, we are confident that Almighty Allah will accept the fasting, prayers, and supplications as an act of Ibadah, Amin.

Ramadan Kareem!!!

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Akpabio Gate: Social media abuzz as Natasha hails ex-Gov Fayemi for upholding her integrity

Published

5 hours ago

March 6, 2025

Admin

…as netizens hammer Senator Fasuyi
…it was prayers galore for the senator that she will triumph

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has applauded former Governor of Ekiti Kayode Fayemi for upholding her integrity as he denied there was no time the Kogi Senator accused him of sexual harassment.

Taking to her FB account, Senator Natasha thanked him for standing out for truth.

But netizens did not spare Senator Cyril Fasuyi who concocted the lie as they lay heavy causes on him.

Hear Senator Natasha:
“Thank you H.E. @kfayemi for speaking truth out. My activity during his time as a minister was strictly an advocacy to revive Ajaokuta steel company.

“Shame unto Senator Cyril Fasuyi for lying against me right in the hallowed chambers while quoting the bible.
Indeed, God is patient.

Senator @natashaakpoti Uduaghan Kogi central.

See reactions below :
God is delivering you from the hands of wicked and unreasonable men both in the chamber and outside the chamber……The truth will always prevail

Thank God the good people of Kogi State recognize n love you as ours…. indeed God is patient if not, many for kpai instantly for lying against God’s choosing one.

Dear Natasha H Akpoti I don’t really know you and I don’t fully support you either, but you see that Cyril Fasuyi, I want to advise you not to take the word of that Cyril Fasuyi.

He’s a useless and incompetent senator who was brought to us by APC government. He has no meaning impact in his constituency till date.

Worry not, this is his only term as a senator, as he will never win any election in Ekiti North again.

Your Excellency Ma, you are one of the few Senators doing well at the National Assembly at the moment Ma. May it occur to you that, Kogi and indeed Nigeria is Proud of your outstanding performance and Capacity and are looking forward to seeing you do more for the Constituents.

May this very issue as bad and sad as it may be, not come to serve and fulfill it purpose of distracting your good intentions for your people to drive away the zeal.

May God almighty in his infinite Mercies and wisdom grant all of you the Divine Providence and Grace to come to terms with each other and return to round table discussion for the greater Nigeria of our Dreams Amen.

Long live our beloved Mother Dist Sen Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan,
Long Live Nigerian Senate,
Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Hon Stephen Suega TseAgu is the Chairman A P C Media Team Vandeikya Local Government area of Benue State.

Your grace is high. God is with you. We appreciate a good prince that God gave you as a crown over your head. May God reward him abundantly. Let no man underestimates you. You would always triumph in the mix of lies and gang ups. May God guide, protect and show you more ways to teach these men hard lessons. They think they can bewildered you and scuttled your good work, intelligent and productive representation of kogi central senatorial people and Nigerians. We are with you in prayers, by God’s grace. All their evil plans, weapons shall fail them.

Our amiable senator Natasha H akpoti. Senator Cyril Fasuyi didn’t say you sexually harass former Gov Fayemi he said you accused him of selling Ajaokuta steel company that till today Ajaokuta is still federal govt property. Pls stop Feeding us with lies you. We are still supporting you don’t need to tell us lies we all heard the senator’s speech.

Idiot of people want you to use what you have to get want you want like i always said, whoever fight with Grace will be disgrace, Allah Rahma Always Ozi anebra Oboro

He quoted the Bible just so he can fabricate a lie. His intel had a network failure. so much for a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dear Distinguished Senator Natasha H Akpoti you have overcome so much already and I know you have the strength to get through this. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger. Don’t give up, you are making a difference.