‘You’ll be killed if you come to Cameroon’ – Ambazonian fighters warn Okocha, Amokachi against Eto’o’s invitation

‘You’ll Be Killed If You  Come To Cameroon’ – Ambazonian Fighters Warn Okocha, Amokachi Against Eto’o’s Invitation 

Nigeria’s football stars, who have been invited by the President of the Cameroonian Football Association, Samuel Eto’o, to participate in a ceremonial tournament in Victoria City, Cameroon on Thursday 30 November 2023, are facing a serious threat.

A separatist group, known as the Restoration Fighters of the Ambazonia Interim Government, has issued a warning stating that the players will be killed if they choose to honor the invitation.

The release came by an individual identifying as Comrade Chris Anon, who claims to be the head of the Ambazonia Interim Government based in the United States of America.

Eto’o had extended invitations to international football stars, including players from Nigeria, with the aim of promoting relationships and football development in Cameroon.

However, the Ambazonia separatist group, which advocates for the independence of Southwest Cameroon, has instructed Nigeria’s former national football captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, and other ex-Super Eagles stars not to attend the tournament organized by Eto’o.

They have emphatically stressed that the players’ safety cannot be guaranteed if they ignore this warning.

Anon referred to the tournament as a disrespectful gesture towards the Ambazonian people.

In response, the separatist group has declared a complete lockdown in Victoria City and the entire Fago County on the specified date of Thursday, 30 November 2023.

They have warned residents to stay indoors during this period and have warned that anyone who violates this order will face severe consequences, including death.

“The Restoration Fighters of Ambazonia Control Victoria and entire county and are committed to ensuring the lockdown. Our determination to safeguarding the integrity of Ambazonia independence struggle will not be deterred. We show no mercy for any persons who attempt to disregard the lockdown.

“It is essential to emphasise the severity of the situation and to caution against actions that could be misconstrued as aligning with any forms of propaganda.

“The football match proposed by Samuel Eto’o is very controversial; it is a misguided and insensitive initiative,” parts of the message stated.

“That decision to involve international players from Nigeria is deeply troubling.

“The timing and location of the tournament give rise to suspicions.

“We seriously and strongly caution Jay Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi and others who are promoting and preparing to participate in the tournament to reconsider their involvement as their participation may unintentionally result in bloodshed.

“We cannot help but question Samuel Eto’o’s decision to organize this tournament in Victoria, an Ambazonia territory that has been marred by war for over seven years, for which 30,000 Ambazonians have been killed.

“It raises legitimate concerns about potential exploitation of the situation for purposes that are not in the best interests of Victoria and Ambazonia in general,” it concluded.