What we know about release of Idabato D.O, Ewane Roland

Following a statement from the Minister of Territorial Administration(MINAT), Paul Atanga Nji on March 18 in Yaounde after receiving the Divisional Officer of Idabato who had been kidnapped for over five months, we can confirm he was released.

In the interview in which the MINAT boss was flanged by South West Governor, Bernard Okalia Bilai and the freed DO, Ewane Roland, it was stated that the civil administrator had regained his freedom March 17 at 5:10 pm.

The Minister said Mr Ewane was “handed” to authorities. He however failed to state on what conditions the DO was released though hinting that at least two negotiation attempts with his abductors were futile.”From all the signals we had from the kidnappers we knew that sooner or later, the DO will be released,” Minister Atanga Nji stated.

He further disclosed that exchanges were on the way to secure the release of the second deputy Mayor of Idabato who was also kidnapped. “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,” said the Minister.

This development contrasts an official statement after the abduction by authorities who identified the other person kidnapped, Etongo Ismael simply as a council worker.

Notwithstanding, Paul Atanga Nji saluted Ewane’s bravery. “This is an opportunity to tell him warm greetings from President Paul Biya for his steadfastness. He remained a seasoned administrator despite the difficulties,” he asserted.

He went on to appreciate Cameroonians for their prayers while announcing that Ewane Roland had admitted interest in continuing his work as civil administrator.

DO’s kidnap
Ewane Roland together with Etongo Ismael were whisked off the premises of the DO’s house in Idabato on October 1, 2025. The act was carried out by men officials said were pirates from Nigeria. Videos of the DO’s torture had emerged by November on the social media as he pleaded for quick payment of ransom. At that time, CNA had learned the abductors demanded 700,000 US dollars.

State authorities had declared the unwillingness of the government to give in to these demands. They had rather announced cooperation with Nigerian authorities to secure the DO’s release by force.