May 16, 2025, Bamenda, Mezam State, Northern Ambazonia: Bambili Mass Abductions Over 1,000 members of La République du Cameroun (LRC) occupation forces launched a military operation in Bambili, targeting students in the area. this disturbing event mirrors the 2017 “Kale-Kale” abductions at the University of Buea, with students pulled from hostels overnight. Female students were beaten, sexually assaulted, and taken into custody without charges.

Systematic Student Arrests and Forced Parades

Bambili Mass Abductions The illiga arrests continued into the morning, May 16, 2025, with the occupation soldiers now targeting the entire student population of ENS Bambili and the University of Bamenda (UBA). Students are being detained with the alleged intention of forcing them to participate in the May 20th parade—a national day celebrating Cameroon’s unity—against their will. This act violates individual freedom and is coercive by International legal standards.

A Misuse of Military Power

The deployment of over 1,000 heavily armed troops to an academic environment raises serious concerns. Rather than focusing on engaging armed resistance groups, LRC forces have chosen to target unarmed students. This misuse of military force in civilian settings reflects not only a disregard for the rule of law but also a calculated act of terror against a vulnerable population.

Violations of Human Rights and International Law

The abduction, torture, and sexual violence against students constitute serious war crimes under the Geneva Conventions and are crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The forced detention and coercion of civilians for political display further breach Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees the right to liberty and security.

Call for International Attention

Bambili Mass Abductions The silence of International human rights organizations and governments like Norway, which have imprisoned Ambazonian leader Dr. Cho Ayaba, only emboldens such crimes. The people of Ambazonia urgently need global Intervention to stop these atrocities and uphold justice for innocent civilians caught in this brutal armed conflict.