Members of the separatist forces of the Ambazonia Defense Forces (ADF) claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of Stephen Ujambeng, regional adviser to the ruling CPDM party in the North West region, as well as other individuals on May 20. Sources say the abductions are linked to their participation in the May 20 parade, although the exact number of those abducted has not been disclosed.
Stephen Ujambeng, CPDM Regional Councilor for the North West region and other people were abducted on May 20. The heinous act was claimed by the separatist forces of the Ambazonia Defense Forces (ADF). According to sources, the abductions of these people, the exact number of which has not been revealed, followed their participation in the May 20 parade.
“Stephen Ujambeng Ando has been arrested after attending the banned May 20 celebrations in Ngie with several other people. We are all familiar with the penalties encouraged for high treason. I don’t want to hear about mafia anymore,” a source said.
Stephen Ujambeng is the second regional councilor to be axed in the North West. Before Yakum Kelvin Teuvih II, a traditional chief and vice-president of the North-West Regional Council had been kidnapped in December 2021. Almost two years later, he is still detained.
These abductions occur only a few days after the abduction of about fifty women in the village of Kedjom Kekula, North West region. These women had opposed the payment of taxes imposed by the separatists.
