The Ambazonia Defense Forces (ADF) separatists have claimed responsibility for the abduction of Stephen Ujambeng, an RDPC regional councilor in the Northwest Region. The local official was reportedly kidnapped along with several civilians the day after the May 20 national holiday. The abduction took place in Ngie, in the Momo department.

According to Capo Daniel, a separatist leader, the kidnapping of this official is a retaliatory measure for his participation in the May 20 parade. "Stephen Ujambeng Ando was abducted after participating in the celebrations of May 20, which we prohibited. We all know the penalties for high treason. I don't want to hear about the mafia anymore," the separatist leader said.

This is not the first time that members of the Northwest Regional Council have been targeted by armed separatists. On December 7, 2021, armed separatists kidnapped Yakum Kelvin Teuvih II, a traditional chief and vice president of the Northwest Regional Council, and he is still in captivity.

The abduction of Councilor Stephen Ujambeng comes just days after the kidnapping of around fifty women in the Northwest Region.