In a community formerly known as the Bakassi Peninsula, now referred to as Idabato II in Cameroon, a group of Nigerian pastors and other individuals were recently arrested and detained by Cameroonian authorities. The detention followed the abduction of the community’s Divisional Officer, Ewane Roland, by armed individuals in early October.
A former chairman of the Yoruba community in the region shared this information during an interview. The Cameroonian government held Nigerians accountable for the abduction and subsequently deployed soldiers to make arrests. The situation caused panic and distress among Nigerians residing in the border town.
During a lockdown imposed by the South-West Governor of Cameroon, churches were closed, and residents were instructed to produce the abducted official within 72 hours. However, the lockdown caused economic hardship for the predominantly Nigerian fishing community, leading to defiance of the orders and subsequent arrests by Cameroonian soldiers.
Amidst the turmoil, Nigerian pastors were taken into custody for violating the lockdown rules by conducting church activities. The pastors were later released, but the situation prompted many residents to flee to neighboring communities due to the harsh conditions imposed by Cameroonian authorities.
Tragically, a Nigerian woman passed away while giving birth during the lockdown as she was unable to receive medical assistance. The community’s conflict with Cameroonian authorities also stemmed from tax payment disputes, with allegations of tax evasion by Nigerian nationals despite evidence of tax payments.
Efforts to seek intervention from consulate offices and government bodies have so far proven unsuccessful, leaving many Nigerians in the community feeling vulnerable and abandoned. The matter remains complex as it involves diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Cameroon, requiring consular offices to handle the situation.
The Bakassi Peninsula’s history, awarded to Cameroon in 2002, has resulted in ongoing tensions and challenges for the Nigerian residents who consider the area their ancestral home. Despite the territorial changes, many Nigerians still reside in the region, facing a precarious and uncertain future.