After months of captivity: kidnapped Idabato DO freed, received by PM, MINAT boss

The Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, assured the public on Tuesday that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the other Cameroonian who was kidnapped in October last year alongside the now freed Idabato DO.

The abducted Divisional Officer, DO, of Idabato Subdivision in Ndian Division of the South West Region, Ewane Roland, has been freed. The civil administrator, who was found in the border locality of Jabane in the Bakassi Peninsula, on March 17, 2025 was received in audience by the Prime Minister and Head of Government, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute and the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji last Tuesday. That was a day after his liberation.

The PM officially conveyed the government’s relief and gratitude following the release of the DO who was held in captivity for nearly six months. The emotional meeting took place at the Star Building, where the PM received the freed DO alongside his wife, Ewane Roseline Mayang. Addressing the liberated administrator, the Prime Minister expressed his joy and that of the government over his safe return.

He stated, “We rejoice for you, we rejoice for your wife, we rejoice for your children, and we rejoice for our country.” The moment marked the culmination of extensive efforts by the Cameroonian government and security forces to secure his freedom, per the authorities. Ewane Roland, visibly relieved, expressed deep gratitude for the support he received during his ordeal. “Firstly, I give thanks to God for having sustained us. I was not alone. My brother is still there, Mr. Itungo Ishmael.

I thank the Head of State. I thank the government, headed by His Excellency, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute. We are very glad. Thank all Cameroonians who assisted and fought that we should come out,” he stated. His wife, Ewane Roseline Mayang, also shared her gratitude. “Tears of sorrow have become tears of joy. Thank you to the first Cameroonian, the President of the Republic, His Excellency President Paul Biya. I also thank His Excellency Chief Dr Dion Ngute because he had his ears to my cries at all times.

To the population of Cameroon, both home and abroad, I say a hearty thank you.” The delegation that accompanied Ewane Roland to the Prime Minister’s office included Bernard Okalia-Bilai, Governor of the South West Region. He used the occasion to call for strict adherence to national laws in the Bakassi Peninsula, emphasizing the need for peaceful coexistence. “We want to invite the foreign communities, who make up more than 90% of the Bakassi area, to be law-abiding and to cultivate peaceful coexistence. They are in Cameroon. We hope that this is the last time we register such a sad event,” he stressed.

Freed DO’s visit to MINAT

The Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, also received the freed DO and extended President Paul Biya’s encouragement to him. Speaking on the long process that led to his release, Minister Atanga Nji revealed that President Biya had given firm instructions for every possible effort to be made to secure the DO’s freedom. “We are happy today to receive the Divisional Officer of Idabato, who was kidnapped on October 1, 2024, at about 5 o’clock in the morning.

He has gone through mental torture, and it has been very disturbing for himself and his family. But the good thing is that immediately he was taken hostage, President Paul Biya gave us firm instructions to do everything so that he be released. That we should leave no stone unturned,” the Minister stated. Minister Atanga Nji outlined the coordinated efforts made by the government, security forces, and diplomatic channels to negotiate with the kidnappers and secure Ewane Roland’s safe return.

He noted that several attempts to obtain his release had been made, particularly in December 2024 and January 2025, but the kidnappers had changed their stance at the last minute. “We had diplomatic connections, we had discussions with all the stakeholders, the security services, the administrative authorities, and all those who could provide relevant information.

We tried two or three times, and we were very close to getting him, but at the last minute, they changed their minds. This time, it was successful.” Minister Atanga Nji also noted that Ewane Roland would undergo a medical check-up before resuming his administrative duties. “He is here. He is strong, and he will go through medical check-ups, which is normal.

Despite all the challenges, he remains steadfast, courageous, and determined to continue serving the state.” Despite this victory, the Minister reminded the public that another Cameroonian, Itungo Ishmael, remains in captivity. He assured that efforts are ongoing to secure his release as well. “We are still working on that case, and I think, by the grace of God, sooner or later, we will also obtain the release of the second assistant mayor of Idabato.”