By Boris Esono Nwenfor
BUEA, PAV – Fear and uncertainty have gripped the media community in Bamenda, the chief town of the North West Region, after the abduction of journalist Blasius Charles Nji, Publisher of The Pilot Newspaper. The incident occurred early Monday, December 1, with the journalist reportedly seized by unidentified gunmen.
Colleagues say Nji managed to briefly contact them by phone, indicating that his captors forced him to request money, raising suspicions that the kidnapping may be financially motivated. His whereabouts remain unknown as anxiety mounts among his family and peers.
In a communiqué issued on December 2, the Cameroon Journalists’ Trade Union (CJTU), North West Chapter, strongly condemned the abduction, describing it as a direct attack on press freedom.
“We strongly condemn this heinous act and demand his immediate and unharmed release, as this is considered a blatant attack on press freedom and the safety of journalists in the region,” the statement read.
The union expressed solidarity with Nji’s relatives and colleagues, noting that the abduction adds to the growing dangers journalists face in the conflict-stricken North West Region. The CJTU said it is monitoring the situation and will work with relevant actors to ensure his safe release.
Meanwhile, media professionals across the region are renewing calls for stronger protections for journalists, who increasingly face threats, intimidation, and violence amid the prolonged crisis.
In a separate statement, Sah Terence Animbom, President of the Cameroon Association of English-Speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ) Bamenda Chapter, voiced deep concern and called for Nji’s immediate and unconditional release.
“For close to nine years, journalists in the North West Region have faced increasing threats, intimidation, and violence as a result of the ongoing crisis,” he said. “Targeting journalists harms the entire society and deprives communities of the accurate and timely information they urgently need.”
CAMASEJ reminded both state and non-state actors that journalists are civilians performing a public duty, not participants in the conflict. “CAMASEJ Bamenda wishes to remind all actors, state and non-state, that journalists are not combatants, enemies, or instruments of any conflict. They are professionals carrying out a public duty,” Sah Terence Animbom said.
“Targeting journalists, directly or indirectly, harms the entire society and deprives communities of the accurate and timely information they urgently need. We urge all parties to exercise restraint and ensure that media workers can operate without fear. Press freedom is a cornerstone of democracy, accountability, and social stability. It must be protected.”
The association pledged its support to Nji’s family and reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the safety of all media workers in the region. “We remain committed to advocating for the safety and security of all journalists working in the region,” Sah Terence added while appealing to anyone holding Nji to release him unharmed and without delay.
