Rev Fr William Neba Principal of St Bede’s
College Ashing Kom kidnaped last Monday while celebrating Holy Mass in the
College Hall with students has been freed.
A press release made public yesterday by the
Director of Communications Archdiocese of Bamenda Ref Fr Tatah Humphrey Mbuy confirmed
the release stating “The Archbishop of Bamenda, His Grace Cornelius Fontem
Essua and his auxiliary, His Lordship Michael Miabesue Bibi, are happy to
announce that Fr William Neba has been released this day Wednesday 2 May 2018,
and is at the Archbishop’s House.”
We have not been able to get details about
the release as to where he was seen and whether a ransom was paid but some
sources are of the opinion that Fr Neba was abducted by persons advocating for
school boycott and since the abduction ended with the unceremonious closing of
St Bede’s College that is why he might have been released.
“The Bishops thank God for bringing this
trying moment to an end. The bishops also thank all the priests, religious,
Christians and all people of God will for their fervent prayers and concern.
They equally thank all those who collaborated in any way to ensure the safe
release of Fr Neba. The bishops call on all Christians to continue praying that
the present socio-political situation we are going through may be brought
speedily and peacefully resolved.” The release concludes.
No one has claimed responsibility for the
kidnap. Kidnappings are however not new to the area with several state related
officials amongst them an Inspector of Basic Education and Councilors seized
recently and later release after the payment of ransoms.
Ashing is located in Belo Subdivision of Boyo
Division in the NW region where there has been a running gun battle between
unidentified persons and defense forces. This has led to the huge loss of lives
and destruction of property. Hostilities around communities in the area have
been linked to the ensuing crisis in the North West and South Regions which
have affected education activities negatively with repeated calls for school
boycott lasting for close to two years.
The Cameroon Teachers Trade Union CATTU has
rated school attendance in rural areas like Ashing-Belo across the concerned
regions at less than 11percent. With growing attacks on the few educational
facilities, it is likely the percentage will drop before the school year runs
out.
NW Governor Adolph Lele L’Afrique Tchffo
Deben says Security measures have been taken to protect those involved in end
of course examinations to ensure a hitch free examination session.
Despite this assurance, Confessional schools
like the Catholics our sources say are already taking dispositions to have
their students sit end of course examinations in City Centers like Bamenda
where attacks have been less in the recent past with visible security presence.