The population further calls upon relevant Ambazonian authorities, community leaders, human-rights organizations, and independent investigators to urgently investigate these allegations, preserve available evidence, document the injured victims, trace the reported ransom transaction, interview witnesses, and establish responsibility through evidence.
By The Independentist News political desk
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The people of Donga Mantung County (DMC) wish to draw the urgent attention of Ambazonians, community leaders, human-rights organizations, and the international community to reports concerning an armed camp said to be operating from Takov, Nkum LGA, Bui County.
According to information provided by victims, families, and community members, the camp is allegedly associated with elements identifying themselves with the ADF and is reportedly under the command of an individual known as “Commander Reuwen.” Residents allege that members of this group have repeatedly crossed into neighboring communities, particularly in Donga Mantung County, to abduct civilians and demand ransom for their release.
Community members report that, since the escalation of the Ambazonian conflict beginning around 2017–2018, numerous civilians have allegedly been abducted, taken into the bush, assaulted, detained, and released only after substantial ransom payments were made.
THE WOWO INCIDENT — 5–6 SEPTEMBER 2026
The most recent reported mass incident occurred during the night of 5 September into the early hours of 6 September 2026, in Wowo village, Ndu LGA, Donga Mantung County. According to eyewitness accounts, the armed men reportedly went to the residence of businessman Mr. Ringnui Julius.
When they arrived, the compound gate was locked. Witnesses say the armed men began attempting to force the gate open, creating considerable noise. The disturbance alerted residents of the surrounding community. Villagers reportedly began moving toward the compound, blowing whistles and using flashlights to alert others.
Witnesses allege that, as groups of residents arrived, the armed men forced them at gunpoint to sit on the ground after confiscating their mobile phones. Several residents were reportedly beaten. According to community accounts, thirteen people subsequently sought hospital treatment for injuries of varying severity, and some were reportedly still receiving medical treatment at the time this statement was prepared.
ABDUCTION OF MR. RINGNUI JULIUS
The armed men allegedly took Mr. Ringnui Julius from his compound at gunpoint. His family and community members report that a ransom demand followed. They further allege that FCFA 4,000,000 was subsequently paid through a mobile-money account identified by the alleged kidnappers.
For reasons of personal security and responsible publication, the telephone number and the identity of the person to whom the account is reportedly registered should be preserved as evidentiary information for investigators, human-rights monitors, and other competent authorities, rather than circulated publicly without independent verification.
Despite the reported payment of FCFA 4 million, Mr. Ringnui Julius had not been released as of the time of this report. His captors are further alleged to have stated that they will continue holding him until his brother presents himself to them and an additional payment made. If confirmed, such conduct would constitute an extremely serious attack on civilians and cannot be justified by political, military, revolutionary, or security considerations.
CALL FOR THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF ALL CIVILIAN CAPTIVES
The people of Donga Mantung County call upon the individual known as Commander Reuwen and those operating under his alleged command to: immediately and unconditionally release Mr. Ringnui Julius and every civilian being held against his or her will; Cease all kidnapping, ransom demands, assaults, intimidation, and attacks against civilians; return any funds proven to have been unlawfully collected from victims and their families; and respect the lives, dignity, property, and security of the civilian population.
Those exercising command or effective control over armed persons have as responsibility to prevent abuses against civilians and to take action when such abuses are reported.
The population further call upon relevant Ambazonian authorities, community leaders, human-rights organizations, and independent investigators to urgently investigate these allegations, preserve available evidence, document the injured victims, trace the reported ransom transaction, interview witnesses, and establish responsibility through evidence.
The safety of Mr. Ringnui Julius, his family, and other affected civilians must remain the immediate priority. Kidnapping civilians for ransom does not advance the legitimate aspirations of a people. It terrorizes the very population that any liberation movement claims to defend. The civilian population must never become the battlefield, the source of financing, or the bargaining instrument of armed actors.
As at press time the National self defence council of the government of the federal Republic of Ambazonia (in exile) the organ prosecuting the war, through its spokes person has called for the restitution of any money collected during the said operation, addressing the said group as terrorist working for the enemy against the Ambazonian people and Calling on international rights group to launch investigation to identify the culprits for subsequent sanctions.
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The Independentist News political desk
