Yaounde: Following a statement from the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, it has been confirmed that the Divisional Officer of Idabato, Ewane Roland, has been released after being kidnapped for over five months. The announcement was made in Yaounde on March 18, with South West Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai and the freed Ewane Roland present.

According to Cameroon News Agency, Minister Atanga Nji stated that Ewane Roland regained his freedom on March 17 at 5:10 pm. However, the Minister did not specify the conditions under which the Divisional Officer was released, although he hinted that at least two negotiation attempts with the abductors were unsuccessful. He expressed confidence that the signals from the kidnappers indicated the eventual release of the DO.

The Minister further disclosed ongoing efforts to secure the release of the second deputy Mayor of Idabato, who was also kidnapped. He expressed optimism about resolving the situation, stating, “We are still working on that case, and by the grace of God sooner or later we will also obtain the release of the second deputy Mayor of Idabato.”

This announcement contrasts with a previous official statement that identified the other kidnapped individual, Etongo Ismael, simply as a council worker. Despite this, Minister Atanga Nji commended Ewane’s resilience and conveyed greetings from President Paul Biya for his steadfastness during the ordeal. Ewane Roland expressed his desire to continue his work as a civil administrator.

Ewane Roland and Etongo Ismael were abducted from the premises of the DO’s house in Idabato on October 1, 2025, by individuals identified as Nigerian pirates. Videos of Ewane’s torture surfaced online in November, where he pleaded for a ransom payment. The kidnappers demanded 700,000 US dollars, but state authorities refused to comply and sought cooperation with Nigerian authorities to secure the DO’s release.