By Boris Esono Nwenfor
BUEA, PAV – A man and three children abducted two weeks ago by suspected Boko Haram fighters in the village of Kiladjang, in Cameroon’s Far North Region, have been released, local sources confirmed at the weekend.
According to residents of the community, the release followed the payment of a ransom of about two million CFA francs raised collectively by villagers. The abductors reportedly demanded the money in exchange for the captives, and four of the six people initially taken were freed shortly after the payment was delivered.
Despite the relief of those freed, anxiety remains high in Kiladjang as two other hostages are still being held by the kidnappers. Reports say efforts are ongoing to secure their freedom, while families of the remaining captives continue to live in fear over their fate.
The abduction occurred during a raid on the village, when armed men believed to be linked to the Islamist militant group Boko Haram stormed the area and seized several residents. Such attacks have become a recurring threat in parts of the Far North, particularly in remote villages close to the Nigerian border.
The Far North Region of Cameroon has for years been the epicentre of Boko Haram-related violence, including kidnappings, suicide bombings and cross-border raids. Despite the deployment of security forces and Cameroon’s participation in the Multinational Joint Task Force alongside Nigeria, Chad and Niger, armed groups continue to exploit difficult terrain and porous borders to carry out attacks.
Kidnappings for ransom have become a key tactic for militants, providing them with financial resources while instilling fear among rural populations. In many cases, families and communities are left with little choice but to negotiate or pay ransoms in the absence of swift rescue operations.
The continued detention of two captives has cast a shadow over the village, with residents calling on the government and security forces to intensify efforts to secure their release and reinforce protection for vulnerable communities.
