Palace sources suggest that unknown men set ablaze the royal abode of Chief Njie Mandenge early Monday morning. Though accusing fingers have been directed towards armed men fighting for the independence of a country they call Ambazonia, others accuse Chief Njie Mandenge’s political enemies. It remains unclear those behind the arson.

Chief Njie Mandenge of Wonjia village, who doubles as Secretary General of the Fako Chiefs’ Conference, regrets that he has lost so much in the context of the unfortunate crisis rocking Cameroon’s North West and South West Regions.

“My reaction is that of a chief who has suffered huge material losses. You know a palace has a lot of extraordinary artefacts. I was even preparing to set up a museum in the palace. You can imagine the vast collection that has been consumed by the fire,” Chief Njie Mandenge told Cameroon-Info.Net Tuesday afternoon.

He says those responsible for the arson will not go unpunished. Hear him: “I am yet to recover from the shock. Those who are responsible for this demonic attack will be rewarded accordingly by the law of Karma.”

Chief Njie Mandenge is among the traditional rulers who went into hiding following the abduction of no fewer than eight chiefs of Buea Subdivision in July 2018 by elements of the Non-State Armed Group.

Those who were kidnapped and later released include: Chief Liteke of Maumu, Philip Mokwa of Wokeka, Chief Francis Molinga of Liwuh la Malale, Lieti Bernard Woloko of Woteva, Njombe Johnson of Wokaka village, Herman Njumbe of Wokwei and Chief Elinge Ndoto of Ewili village. Chief William Njie Mbanda unfortunately died in captivity.

As such, Chief Njie Mandenge has not been to his palace for over a year now. He says he has since remained a target both within and without Buea.

His words: “People are speculating about the hands behind the act but I find it difficult to say anything because I saw nobody. I have been out of the palace for over one year after I narrowly missed being captured by some armed gang. Since then I've been a target both within and without the municipality of Buea. But all what I can say is that our Living God is in control and all is well.”