Five Nigerian pastors were detained in Cameroon’s Idabato II after the October kidnapping of Divisional Officer Ewane Roland. Armed men reportedly used a flying boat for the abduction.
Cameroon’s Governor Bernard Okalia imposed a lockdown on the area, shutting shops and churches. The restrictions caused panic and severe hardship among residents.
When locals resumed fishing, soldiers raided the community, arresting several Nigerians, including pastors. The pastors were taken to unknown locations.
The lockdown led to the death of a Nigerian woman, Esther Okon, who couldn’t access medical care after childbirth. Her body was sent back to Nigeria.
Residents accuse authorities of unfair treatment and harsh tactics. Diplomatic efforts to address the crisis have yielded no results.