FG Summons Cameroonian Envoy over Killings of Nigerians in Bakassi

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Federal Government has summoned the High Commissioner of Cameroon to Nigeria, Ambassador Abbas Ibrahima Salaheddine, to demand explanations over the recent killings of some Nigerians in the Bakassi Peninsula by Cameroonian Gendarmes in respect of the alleged non-payment of taxes on fishing activities.

The action of the Federal Government was contained in a statement released to journalists saturday in Abuja and signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ acting Spokesperson, Ms Jane Adams.

Adams said the federal government had also instructed the Nigerian missions in Yaounde and Buea to investigate the scenario, with the view to confirming their veracity.

Part of the statement reads: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received, with dismay, reports of the maltreatment and killings of Nigerians in the Bakassi Peninsula by Cameroonian Gendarmes in respect of the alleged non-payment of taxes on fishing activities.

“The ministry has instructed the Nigerian Missions in Yaounde and Buea, to investigate the report with the view to confirming their veracity and inform Headquarters immediately.

“Meanwhile, the ministry has summoned the High Commissioner of Cameroon to Nigeria, Ambassador Abbas Ibrahima Salaheddine, to demand explanations as to what may have happened,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the ministry appealed to the Cameroonian authorities to exercise their duty of care and protection over the people of Bakassi including Nigerian citizens in the area.