Tensions have risen in the Bakassi Peninsula as Cameroonian soldiers detained several Nigerians following the October 1, 2024, kidnapping of Divisional Officer Ewane Roland and another official, Etongo Ismaeil, by gunmen using a flying boat.

According to Eniola Alabo, a former chairman of the Yoruba community in the region, Cameroonian authorities blamed Nigerians for the abduction and conducted raids, detaining individuals and firing shots to intimidate residents. Detained Nigerians included Iseoluwa Eniola, Feran Ajimosun, and others.

The situation escalated when South-West Governor Bernard Okalia visited the area on October 8, declaring a lockdown and ordering residents to produce Roland within 72 hours. The lockdown left many Nigerians unable to work or access food, forcing some to defy the order after weeks of hardship.

In retaliation, Cameroonian soldiers raided Idabato again in mid-November, arresting more Nigerians and injuring others. Churches, which had reopened, were targeted, and pastors, including Adeleke Omoniye and Etim Asuquo, were arrested.

Nigerian community leaders have urged the government to intervene, as fears grow over safety and economic disruptions in the region

In a tragic turn of events, bandits have kidnapped the village head of Ungwan Babangida, Babangida Sojiji, along with 14 others in Kauru Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.

The incident occurred on Thursday night when heavily armed attackers stormed Ungwan Babangida Village, firing sporadically before abducting their victims.

The youth leader of Dokan Karji, Aminu Khalid, confirmed the attack over the weekend, stating that the victims included three women and nine men. Two of the abducted individuals were laborers from Jigawa State and Ikara LGA of Kaduna State.

This kidnapping follows closely on the heels of another incident in the same LGA, where bandits abducted four farmers in Libere community on Wednesday, intensifying fears among residents.

Khalid emphasized the dire situation facing Kauru communities, calling for urgent military intervention.

“Federal Government and security operatives must intensify efforts to cripple the activities of these criminals who have made life difficult for villagers,” he said. He highlighted how many breadwinners have been killed, leaving communities in distress.

Despite the challenges, Khalid commended local vigilante groups for their resilience and constant efforts to thwart banditry, noting their success in foiling multiple kidnapping attempts.

The people of Kauru LGA now await decisive action from the government to restore peace and security to their region.

Joe Igbokwe, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has strongly criticized Nigerian singer Davido for his recent remarks about Nigeria’s economy.

During an appearance on an American podcast, Davido warned U.S. citizens against moving to Nigeria, claiming that the country’s economy was in “shambles” and not a suitable destination for relocation.

Igbokwe, who is known for his outspoken views on national issues, expressed his disappointment with Davido’s comments, which he believes are damaging to the country’s reputation.

In a post on his Facebook page, Igbokwe, who considers Davido his in-law, stated that the singer’s success was largely built on the opportunities Nigeria provided him.

He urged Davido to retract his statement, emphasizing that the country had played a significant role in shaping his career and making him the star he is today.

“My in-law Davido has made me sad by telling the world in America that Nigeria’s economy is in shambles.

This is very sad,” Igbokwe wrote. “I will advise him to retract the statement ASAP. Nigeria made Davido. QED!!!”