In the Adamaoua region of Cameroon, persistent insecurity has struck again. On March 9, 2026, the daughter of a pastor from the Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC) was kidnapped in the Faro and Deo division. Her captors are demanding a ransom of 10 million FCFA for her release, plunging her family and community into anguish.
Pastor Nganjo Ngwa Thomas, whose daughter is being held hostage, ministers within the ADNOFAN field, a recent missionary zone covering the Adamaoua, North, and Far North regions. This area, although designated as a missionary field, faces a limited presence of law enforcement and porous borders with Nigeria and Chad, fostering insecurity and criminal activities.
Kidnappings for ransom have become a source of funding for criminal groups operating in the northern regions of Cameroon. These groups target victims from families or communities likely to quickly mobilize funds. The amount of the ransom demanded, 10 million FCFA, is a sum high enough to be profitable but low enough to allow negotiation and payment without massive bank intervention.
Faced with this situation, families and religious structures often adopt a strategy of discretion so as not to compromise negotiations. The lack of official communication from the authorities on this matter is an illustration. Pastor Nganjo Ngwa Thomas, as a minister of the CBC, can count on an ecclesial network to try to mobilize the necessary funds. However, the risk is that paying the ransom will fuel a cycle of new hostage-taking.
This kidnapping highlights the challenges faced by religious institutions established in high-risk areas. The CBC may have to rethink its missionary presence strategy, strengthen the security of its agents, and collaborate more closely with the authorities.
The Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC) Health Services is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its staff and beneficiaries. Recently, it organized training focused on protection, security, reporting, and compliance. Participants, especially those from the Northwest region, shared their security experiences and received advice on preventing and managing kidnapping situations.
The question is how many more families will have to pay the price for chronic insecurity in mission areas in Cameroon. The answer will depend on the state's ability to stem the predatory economy that is plaguing the most vulnerable regions.
