Anglophone Crisis: Sama Hilda's Killing, What Really Happened
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| Lt. Sama Hilda |
By Raymond Dingana
Sama Hilda, business woman, and a mother of two was kidnapped near her Mile 6 residence on Tuesday, September 24, just one day after a two-week lockdown imposed by non-state armed groups seeking to reclaim what they claim is the lost sovereignty of a country they call Ambazonia.
According to investigations conducted by a team of Drayinfos reporters, Sama Hilda maintained communication with her husband and other family members while in captivity. The armed men opened these communication channels, demanding a ransom of over 2 million FCFA. Sources revealed that raising such an amount was a daunting task, given the hardships faced by the population in this crisis battered region.
According to Michael, (not his real name), Hilda was in constant communication with her husband not knowing the conversation they had was going to be their last.
"The last time her husband spoke with her was Wednesday morning. She assured him everything was going to be okay,"said Michael.
Michael further explained that one of Hilda’s close relatives tried to call again the same day, but no one answered. After several attempts, someone picked up and said in Pidgin English, "
Military just come move ye shootam killam,"
which translates loosely into English as,
"the military came, took her out, and shot her dead."
The caller abruptly ended the conversation, but when the relative insisted on more information, the person warned him not to call that number again. At this juncture, the family member got more confused, but was still optimistic about meeting Hilda again, but things did not go the way he had wished for.
How Sama Hilda Died When Soldiers Stormed Where They Were Being Held
Further information gathered during the investigation revealed that security forces had plans to attack that specific area based on intelligence reports indicating that armed men were using it as a hideout, and holding their captives there awaiting ransom.
When soldiers arrived, one of the captives was outside and, upon spotting the soldiers, raised his hands and shouted,
"I am not an Amba,"and that was how his life was spared.
Aware that soldiers were approaching, the gunmen laid an ambush. When the soldiers left the scene with Hilda and the other captive, the armed men opened fire.
According to Michael, who relayed the account from the other victim, the military retaliated, and gunfire exchanged lasted for some time. At this moment, the soldiers instructed Hilda and the other victim to lie in a gutter. The gunfire subsided briefly but resumed as the soldiers struggled to lead the civilians to safety.
"The gunfire was so intense and when the two attempted to flee, they were caught in the crossfire. Hilda was shot in the right side of her stomach, and was bleeding profusely, while the other victim sustained a leg wound. Despite his injury, he tried to carry her to safety."
They encountered a young man and pleaded for him to find a motorcycle. It took about 30 minutes for the bike to reach their hiding spot, and they were transported to the Mile 4 Health Center in Nkwen, Bamenda III council area.Unfortunately, Hilda had lost a significant amount of blood and could not be saved.
Misrepresentation of Military's Intervention By Some News Outlets
Many news outlets like MIMI reported that after Sama Hilda's kidnapping on Tuesday, September 24, security forces received information and immediately stormed the gunmen's hideout to rescue her. However, family sources refuted this claim, stating that what transpired at the camp on Wednesday, September 25, was mere coincidence. The military only discovered the captives' location when they arrived at the scene. Furthermore, the source clarified that it was not the military that rushed the victims to the hospital.
Family sources have also debunked information that Hilda was rushed to the Regional Hospital in Bamenda where she died. Her family has also indicated that Hilda didn't die on Thursday September 26. She died one day after her kidnap which was Wednesday September 25. She was kidnapped on Tuesday September 24, and not seven days earlier as indicated by MIMI, family sources told drayinfos.
Sama Hilda's tragic death has intensified calls for inclusive dialogue to resolve the Anglophone crisis, which has escalated into a deadly armed conflict since 2017. Lives are being lost daily, and there are fears that many more may meet a similar fate if the Anglophone elite continue to act as though those suffering do not deserve to live better lives.
Comments
We would all have an account to give on the Last Day!!