It is with deep sorrow that I share the tragic news of the deliberate burning of my family’s compound, our cherished childhood home in Bamenda. This devastating incident, which occurred yesterday at 6 p.m., has caused immense pain to my family and underscores the profound security challenges facing our people today.
I want to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to the huge crowd of neighbors who came out in a courageous effort to try to stop the fire. Their compassion and solidarity in our moment of loss have been a source of comfort to me and my family. I also wish to thank the top Cameroon army commander who visited the scene and the army rescue commander who arrived after the house was completely destroyed. They personally explained the reasons for their delay, offered apologies, and acknowledged that their fire truck was unfortunately out of service at the time.
Based on the information I have received, the armed individuals who carried out this attack were Ambazonian fighters, identified by their accents as being of Bui origin. Their behavior during the incident was highly unusual. After setting fire to the compound, one of the fighters ran back into the house to rescue my brother’s wife, who had been told to remain sleeping. Despite having the capacity to kill or kidnap my family members, they chose not to harm anyone. Instead, they behaved with an unusual level of restraint, refraining from issuing threats or using violence, and even returning the telephones they had collected from my family.
This calm and calculated behavior contrasts sharply with how Ambazonian fighters have acted in the past when targeting individuals over political disagreements. If these fighters had come to burn my family compound because of my stance in the Ambazonian war, they would likely have made a video of the act, issued verbal warnings to my family members, or acted violently in anger. Instead, their actions suggest they were hired to carry out this despicable act.
This is a shameful act by fighters who have sold their souls. Anyone involved in this disgraceful attack should be deeply ashamed of themselves. Eventually, the truth will come out, and justice will prevail.
The timing of this incident, coinciding with ongoing family disputes, strengthens my suspicion that this act of arson was orchestrated by someone within my extended family circle, possibly an in-law residing abroad. This tragic event reveals a troubling reality: Ambazonian fighters are increasingly being used as tools for hire, settling personal disputes for a small price. This has created a dangerous environment where no one is safe, as anyone can pay to target another.
This attack on a prominent Ambazonian leader is an embarrassment to all Anglophones. It should serve as a reality check for any Ambazonian leader who still supports liberation by force. These fighters, once heralded as defenders of our people, have now become tools of destruction for hire, undermining the very cause they claimed to fight for.
Ambazonian fighters, even those I have disagreed with politically, have always been cordial toward my family in previous encounters. However, this incident highlights the broader threat facing all of us. If I, as a prominent Ambazonian leader who has represented this struggle on the global stage, can be targeted in this manner, then anyone living in Ambazonia is equally vulnerable.
Our struggle has lost its way. What began as a fight for freedom has been hijacked by individuals who exploit it for personal or financial gain, turning it into a source of chaos and insecurity. Families across our land have suffered similar tragedies—arson, kidnappings, and worse. Whether a house is burned by the Cameroon army or Ambazonian fighters, the pain and loss are the same.
It is time to put an end to this madness. The only solution lies in a peaceful resolution that addresses the aspirations of our people for self-governance while delegitimizing those who misuse the struggle. This is the only path to restoring security, dignity, and peace in our communities.
To those who are touched by this loss, I appeal for your support in rebuilding my family home. Donations can be made to my PayPal account at [email protected], or you may contact me directly at +17803998546. Let us show that unity and resilience are stronger than any act of destruction.
Despite this setback, my commitment to justice and freedom for our people remains unwavering. This attack will not deter me—it will only strengthen my resolve to fight for a fair and just resolution to this crisis. Let us come together to end this war, heal our land, and build a future where such tragedies are no longer possible.
With determination and gratitude,
Ndong Emmanuel Ngong (Capo Daniel)
Chairman, People’s Rights Advocacy Platform
