Following a fact finding mission on October 8 in Idabato, South West Governor issued an ultimatum for perpetrators of the Divisional Officer’s (DO) kidnap to release him within 72-hours.
Governor Okalai Bilia said they had all information establishing that D.O Ewane Roland alongside the municipal council store accountant, Etongo Ismaiel were taken to Nigerian on October 1, via a speed boat.
The South West (SW) chief executive was informed that the kidnap was as a result of tax evasion by some Nigerian business men. The over 95% Nigeria populated Cameroon territory is said by the Mayor to have continuously faced the challenge. Where locals rebel against taxes and attack officials.
In response, Governor Bilai noted that the official was in the right of his duties and should not be targeted. He urged the Nigerian traders, who he said had come to the end of a tax-free period according to an earlier agreement to toe the line. Warning that Cameroon was a peace loving country which had to be respected.
The SW G
overnor frowned at the action which he said was orchestrated to bring division between the two friendly countries. While begging the population to cooperate with the state inorder to retard growing tension.
Okalia Bilai said failure to cooperate will result in a lock down of the seaside locality. Which will disrupt business activities and livelihood. Idabato is part of the Bakassi peninsula which Cameroon established ownership over with the Green Tree Accord. It has however remained a troubled area due to pirate activities.
Source: Cameroon News Agency