Rights groups have slammed militia fighters for the killing and have called for the release of six other officials still in captivity
There has been widespread condemnation from various quarters, including from diplomatic missions, following the kidnap and killing of a Divisional Delegate in Ndian Division, South West Region.
The Divisional Delegate of the Ministry of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, MINEPAT, Johnson Mabia Mudika, recall, was kidnapped on June 17 alongside six other officials of the same rank from different ministries, by separatist fighters operating in the Division. The officials were said to be on mission from Mundemba to Ekondo-Titi when they fell into the hands of their abductors.
Johnson Mabia Mudika was unfortunately killed a day later and his lifeless body dumped in the bush. It was only discovered by soldiers who transported it by sea for preservation in a mortuary in Limbe.
Among those abducted is a woman, Ndong Felicia, who is the Ndian Divisional Delegate of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
There have since been calls condemning the killing of Mr Mabia as well as for the releaseof the six others who are still being held in captivity for over a week now.
“With respect to the reported death of a Divisional Delegate in Ndian, Canada unreservedly condemns the killing of all civilians in the North West and South West of Cameroon, whether it be by non-state armed groups or the military. Dialogue is the best way forward. End Anglophone crisis…,” a June 21 tweet from the Canadian High Commission in Cameroon read.
The UK High Commission also tweeted condemning the act.
Rights groups have also raised concerns about the issue and have called on the armed separatist fighters to let their abductees off their hook.
The Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa, CHRDA, of rights lawyer Felix Nkongho a.k.a Agbor Balla, issued a statement on Sunday in which it condemned “…in the strongest terms the abduction of six divisional delegates and the subsequent murder of one and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.”
“This abduction is an abuse of human rights and a breach of international law, sanctioned by the International Convention against the Taking of Hostages of 1979…,” the statement added.
This act of brutality comes not long after the United States warned that it was putting in place a visa restriction policy targeting those who are believed to be fanning the flames of all forms of violence in the troubled North West and South West Regions - including kidnappings for ransoms and wanton killings.
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