Another Meta Fon in Captivity - Where is the Fon of Wumnemburg?

Another Meta Fon in Captivity - Where is the Fon of Wumnemburg?

For your attention, sorry for the late update. Before you start reading, note that the fon regained his freedom same day this report was published. He's been seen in public going about his normal life. 

H.R.H Mbacham Enock has been in captivity for over 4 days now. He was picked up by persons locals refer to as Amba Boys last week. Prior to his abduction according to what we learnt, the fon had previously been seriously tortured by the boys. Days later, they came and took him away to an undisclosed location. Some local sources say they saw him being driven on a bike towards Bafut. 

In finding out what could have caused his abduction, many locals suspect some financial squabbles at the centre of his abduction. A contract to grade the road from Zang Tembeng to Fringyeng had been awarded. The fon is said to have had a major role to play in the execution of the contract. 

H.R.H Mbacham Enock, Abducted Fon of Wumnemburg Village, Meta Clan, Mbengwi

On Friday February 5th 2021, we met the fon on the field in Zang Tembeng supervising the work as the bulldozer was opening up the road. Executing such a mega project in such a remote area void of the military, many foresaw it wasn't going to be a smooth ride. Contrracts are hardly executed in areas infested with the boys without pre-financial negotiations as they often demand their own share of the contract budget before okaying the work. 

Later on, disruptions started. As our local sources confided in us, the boys started coming in different groups and the last set that came seemed to have been the most dreaded. These were the ones that tortured the fon and carried away the battery of the bulldozer. One informant told us they even set fire on the bulldozer but it was quickly put off by some helpless locals who pleaded with them not to go to this extent of burning such a mega machine worth hundreds of millions that was hired to execute the job by the contractor whom we learnt but yet to confirm that is an indigene of Oshie. 

Bulldozer the Fighters Almost Set Ablaze. It's Battery Was Carried Away. Work on the Zang Tembeng-Fringyeng Road has Stopped

Before this, the bulldozer had worked right to Tonmutor and all was certain it'll reach Fringyeng. But with these disruptions, insecurity and allegations we can't confirm that money has changed hands severally and workers have come under life threatening incidences, one thing is obvious, unless otherwise, the contract will be abandoned. 

Where a road passes they say development follows. What now becomes the fate of the enclaved people of Toueumbeng, Ngameungeuh and Fringyeng? Certainly more suffering. They are helpless in the face of these squabbles. 

Unfortunately the Wumnemburg Fon's abduction is seemingly a non event. Many don't even know it, those that know don't talk about it. There's been no official statement, press release or condemnation message demanding for his immediate release from neither any individual nor constituted group. 

This is How Villagers Suffer on the Bumpy Toueumbeng Road that was Being Graded But Has Unfortunately Been Abandoned Due to Security Threats

We note that this isn't the first time the fon is experiencing such since the Anglophone Crisis started. We learnt this should be about the 7th time he is facing the wrath of the boys. In December 2019, the spate of kidnapping Meta fons commenced  or probably heightened as the fon of Wumnemburg and his colleague of Mbemi were picked up and dragged to a detention camp where they were tortured for days before being later released. 

After this macabre act, the fon of Mbemi, H.R.H Mbabit absconded the throne and has since then been seeking refuge somewhere out of the village though he continues monitoring affairs back home and giving instructions to his subjects. That of Wumnemburg decided to stay put probably reason why from time to time he's been facing such humiliation. But is he the only fon left on the ground? Certainly no though at least 25 out of the 32 Fons that make up the Meta clan are not in their palaces. While some left the kitchen because of inability to continue bearing the heat, others are out because of work and simply come home from time to time for a brief stay.

It should be recalled in August 2020, the Meta Clan Head, H.R.H Teghenicha of Zang Tabi and the Fon of Ku Village  in the Bome valley of the Meta clan were also kidnapped by Non State Armed Fighters. Though the former was sooner released, the latter spent over a month in captivity and ever since his release thereafter, he's not been spotted anywhere in Mbengwi again. 

This is How the Zang-Tembeng Road was Already Looking Like Before the Disruption

During this period, the perpetrators faced condemnation. The Meta Fon's Union (MEFU) made public a release in which they said, "We the Fons of Meta, observe with regrets the recent spade of abduction and torture of two of ours. In the recent past the Fons of Kai, Njimetu, Bessi Fomukong, Ngwokwong,  Mbemi and Wumneburg had been taken, tortured and humiliated... To have touched a Fon is disrespectful. To have laid torture on a Fon is even abominable. We deplore these acts with the greatest indignation and call on the children keeping the Fon, who indeed are evidently of Meta stock, to unconditionally and without delay, release the Fon. We call on these persons to equally table an apology to the Meta people for having carried out such an abominable act. We call for calm from all the people of Meta and for them to stay strong in the light of these happening as we seek a redress to them."

Since then till date, we don't know if the perpetrators did actually table an apology letter to the fons for touching their colleagues. What we know is that barely over six months after, the Fon of Wumnemburg is again nowhere to be found. 

Despite the relatively calm atmosphere in Mbengwi, issues of insecurity have continued to occur underneath. The construction of some classrooms in G.S Wumsom has been stopped by the fighters who went and pushed down the already mounted walls, forcing it to be abandoned. Benches that were supposed to be supplied to the school have been dumped at the Momo Divisional Delegation of Basic Education. Certainly weevils will start eating them up. On Tuesday January 19 2021, precisely in the morning, an Improvised Explosive Device (I.E.D) was detonated in Mile 17 Mbengwi targeting a military truck but missed it. No casualties were recorded but for some arrests that were made and later released.

Government School Wumsom, One of the Oldest in the Subdivision Where Classrooms Can't be Constructed, Benches Can't be Supplied Because of Insecurity

On Sunday March 7 2021, another I.E.D was detonated at the Mbon park around 8:30pm. Reports say people were catching fun in the bars when the explosion sound was heard. Information gathered later say some guys came to a lady whose only name we got as Ngum selling roasted fish, bought some, then gave her a bag to hold while they go get other items from a nearby store and will then pass and collect it back when returning. She took the bag and kept it not far from her then continued her business. As the guys were leaving, they detonated the "bomb". Luckily, the lady sustained just minor injuries. She's continued her business and life has continued to go on in Mbengwi normally. 

On Sunday March 14, a guy whose only name we got as Nya-Nya (probably a nickname) was shot on the neck in Guneku. Reports say he was shot by separatist fighters. We don't yet have apt information as to why but at press time, he had been rushed to Bamenda from where he is receiving intensive medical attention. Before this, a couple of weeks back, we also learnt one guy from Zang Tabi by name Isaac was shot and killed in Kobenyang in what many term a set up. He's suspected to have been killed by the military according to our informants who unfortunately can't prove their claim.

Isaac, the Bike Rider/CYF Member from Zang Tabi that was Killed in Kobenyang, last week end of February. 

Mbon Motor Park, Mile 18 Mbengwi, the Economic Hub of the Subdivision on a Ghost Town Day

During the last gun battles that shutdown Bamenda, precisely on Wednesday March 10 2021, one civilian, a guy was killed. We've learnt he was a native of Njindom village. He was transported home and buried. These happenings and many more may be taken for the ordinary especially when one isn't on the ground. But in reality, life goes on lively on what some fondly refer to as Ground Zero and issues of insecurity are exceptional happenings which really do not longer frighten people. The common expression nowadays is "Anyhow way e dey" meaning whatever the case, life goes on.

When the Medig and Tondig zones of the Meta clan became red zones (Amba fief), the government established a BIR camp in Nyen to counter their activities. Several of the fighters were killed during during this period. A cordial civilo-miltary relationship was established. Locals felt comfortable with the presence of the BIRs. During the 2020 end of year festivities, we got reports of these men in uniform drinking and dancing in local popular joints with civilians. 

Abducted Fon of Wumnemburg (R), Once Abducted Fon of Mbemi (M) & Fon of Njindom (L) During a Road Supervision Project on Monday November 25 2019. These Tondig fons were already envisaging the Imminent Formation of a Joint Development Association like BADA that Covers the Whole of Bome

However the camp was closed during CHAN 2021 as the elements were redeployed to the South West region to beef up security. Immediately they left, the fighters that had gone into hiding resurfaced. Not long, atrocities are already being recorded. Many persons who refused to be named have on several occasions told us they want the BIRs to come back. 

While these insecurity challenges are being recorded, there seems to have been a silver lining in the dark cloud as one dreaded fighter that was known as Fielding or Tupac is said to have laid down his arms and submitted himself for disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration. No official statement has been made yet on his dropping of arms. Multiple sources in Njembeng quarter, Ku village that witnessed the scene authoritatively told us he's answered the call to leave the bushes and surrendered himself. He used to be feared in Njembeng, Bome and the entire subdivision as several failed attempts to gun him down had been reported in the past  from mouth to ear

"Sasasa'ah? Ngor-ngor-ngong!" - Couples Scramble for Free Marriage Certificates at the Mbengwi Council

"Sasasa'ah? Ngor-ngor-ngong!" - Couples Scramble for Free Marriage Certificates at the Mbengwi Council 

They were 45 in number according to a source at the council, drawn from within and without the municipality. They came in pairs, accompanied by witnesses, relatives and friends to legalise their union. Some had been living together for donkey years as couples without any official document, reason why both old and young couples took advantage of the free obtainment of marriage certificates to register for the legalisation of their union. 

Friday March 5th 2021 was an exceptional day in the life of the Mbengwi Council as the town (council) hall, beautifully decorated with national colours (green, red, yellow) was filled to maximum capacity. There wasn't any space left to swing a cat. The couples too were dressed in old and newly sewn dresses ("compley-compley/ashuabi"), costume that clearly depicted the state of the union. 

Family Photo After the Issuance of Marriage Certificates to the Couples

Addressing the excited couples before commencing the signing exercise, the mayor of the Mbengwi Council Ndangsa Kennedy Akam told them that the partner that made this dream come true, Inades Formation, has subsidised the total cost of the solemnisation. As such, he called on them to thereafter encourage their peers as ambassadors to follow suit because it's very important considering that there are still many others out there who are still living in illegality. 

Ndangsa also schooled the men and women, boys and girls on the process of obtaining birth certificates, clarifying that it's totally free within three months after the baby is delivered. Then he added  that however, Inades Formation also plans to subsidise the obtainment of birth and death certificates for those who have financial difficulties considering the poverty situation in Cameroon. 

Decor of the Hall with National Colours 

As the people's representative, the mayor confirmed he's aware of the fear some persons have in the suburbs as concerns coming to Mbengwi central town to obtain such legal certificates. He requested such persons to always call him or the Divisional Officer in case they fall in the hands of the military on their way to the council to come engage the process of obtaining such official documents. "The D.O here seated and myself are ready to intervene in the cases of people wanting to live life like complete Cameroonian citizens" were the mayor's words. Unfortunately, he didn't give any contact number. 

Lastly the mayor insisted that the couples must know that the document they shall obtain is not a whip to use on their spouse. Prior to these his last words, he schooled them on the importance of a marriage certificate and divorce. On the former, he said "Keep the document jealously. You're the first legal successor of your spouse in case of death only through a marriage certificate"

Ndangsa Kennedy Akam, Mayor, Mbengwi Council Officiating the Signing Exercise 

Then talking about the latter, divorce, he said "During my mandate, we pray to God that after this solemnisation, there should never be a couple seeking for divorce." Prior to this wish, he had counselled them on challenges in marriage and how to overcome such. "There's no home without problems" he insisted. "In case of any, come to the council to seek advice though the best option is for both of you to resolve it in your room" he ended.

After the mayor's address was a word from Madam Fonocho Regina, seating in for the Momo Divisional Delegate of Women Empowerment and the Family. She began by first congratulating the couples for the decision to solemnise their marriage. Then talking about her office, she said there, women are taught skills like how to make soap, vinegar, animal feed etc to empower them.

Denis & Deserine, Couple

George & Fallon, Couple

Mr. Claude Sango is the Project Manager of Inades Formation. He too just like the precious speakers was given the floor to say a word. He explained that the goal of the project they're executing is to increase the number of persons with civil statues documents (birth, death, marriage certificates). In appreciating the cordial collaboration the organisation enjoyed with the Mbengwi to execute the project, he said "We've approached many councils for this initiative but haven't had a breakthrough like was the case with the Mbengwi Council that accepted to remove the major cost of obtaining marriage certificates." He thanked the couples too for taking the courage and initiative to answer the solemnisation call.

Sakwe Jarvis Essapa, the Divisional Officer of Mbengwi while ending the speech making part of the program said he likes when people come together to recognise and identify themselves to be legally married. He described marriage as "The only school were certificates are awarded without any training session." To him, "The man is the head of the family but the wife is the boss of the house." As such, to avoid clashes, it's always good for each others opinion to be sorted before taking any decision. Talking from experience, he said"I've been in the business for 10 years and understand the advantages in it."

Muslim Couple

Harrow Yaya Abubakar

While preparing their minds especially those of the young couples, the administrative officer, speaking like a counselor said "The things that come with problems in marriage mostly stem from in-laws, family and finances." For this reason, he advised that credit should always be given to the other partner for every donation in the in-law's family. That is, if the man has something to give to his parents, it should be done through his wife. Let the wife take the credit and same applies if it's the woman also wanting to reach out to her family, such should be channeled through the husband. As such both will command more respect from their in-laws. 

Amongst all the couples, just one signed polygamy, joint property. Many were surprised to see a Muslim couple also show up for the signing. Both Harrow Yaya Abubakar and Amadou Ramatou Jallow went in for monogamy, joint property. Speaking to Mbengwi Online at the end of the legalisation process, Yaya Abubakar expressed joy.  Hear him, "I decided as such because I don't want disturbances in my life. In case of anything, the certificate will back us up." Asked if another woman comes now won't he accept? He said no, because Ramatou is okay for him, the way he wants. Lastly, he beckoned on his wife to take care of herself and not do anything outside without his knowledge. 

Couples, Witnesses, Relatives & Friends

The mass legalisation of marriages is a project to increase civil statues registration in the North West Region of Cameroon organised by Inades Formation Bamenda in collaboration with the Mbengwi Council, financed by Active Citizenship Strengthening Program (PROCIVIS). Normally, each couple spends roughly the sum of forty thousand francs to obtain a marriage certificate from the Mbengwi Council but through this project, obtainment was completely free of charge as Inades Formation bore the cost.  All certainly went well during the signing but we later learnt some of the couples that had been practicing "Kam We Stay" rushed for the certificates without first of all doing traditional marriage rites, allegations we can't independently confirm.

Mouth Watery Prizes Awarded to Laureates at Close of Mbengwi Talents Show

Mouth Watery Prizes Awarded to Laureates at Close of Mbengwi Talents Show 

Prizes

Several youths and aged persons in Mbengwi have been rewarded for possessing exceptional talents in singing, dancing, acting, sports, arts and craft. This was on Sunday February 21st 2021 at the close of a Talents Show competition that culminated to a Prize Award Ceremony organised by Mustardseed Group of Companies in partnership with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Back Mbon (Toboh) quaters, Mbengwi. 

For at least two months, the show was initiated and the competition ensued, on weekly basis drawing up to a prize award ceremony during which those who emerged with exceptional talents were recognized with prizes ranging from farming tools like hoes and cutlasses, wrappers, t-shirts, scholarships, a hair dryer, an android phone, an internet modem, a satellite receiver, a set of wireless microphone,  a treadmill, kitchen utensils like pots, blenders, breakable plates, trophies just to name these few.

Some of the Prizes & Trophies

Saloon Woman Awarded a Brand New Hair Dryer

Abongwa Bertrand is the Chief Executive Officer of Mustardseed Group of Companies. Speaking to Mbengwi Online at the close of the event, he traced the origin of the initiative to his personal life experience. He said "The origin of it is that there are a lot of talented people not being given the right opportunities to showcase their talents and I was one of them. I struggled a lot knocking doors here and there and no one gave me confidence or a platform to do something until one or two persons finally gave me an opportunity, I started performing and things changed in my life."

It was this problem that inspired him to look for a solution via the Talents Show competition. Bertrand believes what was lacking was just a stage . Hear him, "I believe that if we create a platform on which other people can showcase their talent, it'll help them establish themselves to be great and as a result be able to help others."

Abongwa Bertrand, C.E.O, Mustardseed Group of Companies

Evaluating the various performances, the Mustardseed boss testified he was amazed with what he saw and in comparing with others, he said "You know, there are great comedians, great singers, great architects that make a lot of money that can not even do more than these people here in Mbengwi. So I believe that if they have a platform to showcase their talent, they can be great and imagine if ten people are great, like very great in the land, that will change a lot."

Being in its first edition, the Talents Show Prize Award Ceremony was solely organised by Mustardseed Group of Companies with support from the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The total amount of money spent in the realisation of the project was proceeds from the company and the C.E O's personal earnings.

Talking about his vision for the competition, Abongwa Bertrand told Mbengwi Online "The original vision is that this little thing that started as a mustard seed in Mbengwi is going to grow beyond Mbengwi and it's going to be the biggest talents show in this country" In addition, he indicated readiness to partner with other persons and institutions that will want to support the realisation of the second edition so that the vision comes to past because in his words, "One hand cannot tie a bundle"

As last words to the laureates and potential talent exhibitors, he said "I know we live in a crisis situation and it's very difficult raising money especially if you're trying to raise genuine money. So I'll call on them to pray for God to provide more so that we can organise another edition hopefully bigger because away from the prizes, it's a time of enjoyment, laughter, fellowship, it's really awesome."

Some groups that were outstanding in their performances during the show were Ground Breaking Praise (singing), Dynamic Dramatists (acting), The Fantastic Kids (dancing) and The Great Thinkers (debate). As a reward, the singers were promised that the company shall take full responsibility for the recording and releasing of a 10 tracks album for them and all the proceeds generated from sales shall be reaped by the group members while those of the drama group on their part were promised that a YouTube channel shall be established for them to gain more international exposure. 

Shu Sandrine Sirri emerged as overall best laureate. As such she was awarded the last prize, a brand new android phone. Expressing her joy to Mbengwi Online at the end of the ceremony, she said "In fact, I'm short of words. I want to thank Mustardseed for believing in this talent that's in me. I thank God for the inspiration because it's not really by my power. What ever script I write, He always inspired me. For this trophy, all the grace goes to Him and to Him alone" 

As to how her prize, a brand new Tecno android phone will be of benefit to her talent, she said "This prize will help showcase me to the world because through a YouTube channel, people shall get to know the things hidden in the Dynamic Dramatists." She added that the group is out to bring messages that change lives, destinies and put people on the right track.

As a message to other skillful youths out there still to expose their talents, the young dynamic Sandrine encouraged them not to let such gifts embedded into them by God to waste. "Whenever an opportunity arises, come out and showcase. I believe the same thing that God has done for me, he will equally do it for you" she ended. 

Very outstanding during the show was a little primary school boy by name Alpha. He exhibited two prototype storeyed buildings, a copter and a car, all made out of the inner fibrous part of raffia membrane. With the aid of a battery, his car moved and the helicopter's wings spun during exhibition to the amazement of the audience. The storeyed building had stair cases, balconies, pillars, a master's bedroom with a family bed inside, a parlour with a set of chairs inside and other interesting household equipment like fridge, flat screen TV etc. 

Interestingly, initially he wasn't earmarked to be an exhibitor yet he forced his way through, pleading on the organisers to give him a chance to showcase his talents. At the end of the day he was a awarded a one year scholarship to study in any school of his choice during the next academic year. About five other laureates also received same scholarship.  

The initiative by Mustardseed Group of Companies to organise a Talents Show comes barely a year after the company also organised a worker's award ceremony last year during which some outstanding workers of the company were awarded flat screen TVs, laptop, spades, loincloths etc. This was precisely in May 2020. Mustardseed Group of Companies with headquarters in Mbengwi deals in real estate, constructions, installations and a lot more.