Cameroonian opposition leader, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has accused the government of orchestrating a campaign of repression and targeted abductions following the disputed October 12 presidential election, which he claimed to have won.

In a statement sighted by Daily Trust Friday morning, Tchiroma alleged that two members of his family and his personal chef were kidnapped in Garoua on Wednesday night.

?It looks like an open war against the Cameroonian people. They spare nothing: assassinations, repression, and other abuses. They do not want peace. For them, every means must be used to remain in power, because they fear the consequences if they leave, hence the extreme violence of their actions.

?That is why, yesterday, they kidnapped two members of my family here in Garoua, as well as my personal cook.

?Do you think you can pressure me with such acts? All you will succeed in doing is alienating the people even more. I demand their immediate release, as well as that of all others who have been kidnapped or arbitrarily detained,? Tchiroma said

In another message released Friday, the opposition leader has implied that he has left his residence in Garoua and is now under the protection of what he described as ?elements of the loyalist army.?

Tchiroma, who earlier alleged that members of his family and his personal chef were abducted amid a wave of post-election repression, reiterated his commitment to challenging the current regime and called for the release of all those detained.

?I ask all those who have been arbitrarily arrested, to my kidnapped family members, hang in there ? I will not rest until this regime gives you victory,? he declared.

He went on to express gratitude to members of the armed forces who, according to him, ensured his safe relocation.

?I thank the loyalist army for showing patriotism by leading me to safety and protecting me now,? he said, adding, ?I will make a solemn address in a few moments.?ad

Tchiroma?s remarks are coming amid rising tensions in northern Cameroon, where protests and security deployments have intensified.

While the government has yet to respond to the allegations, rights groups have raised concerns over arbitrary arrests and the use of force against opposition supporters.

In another statement, Tchiroma called on his supporters and those detained to remain resolute, vowing to continue the struggle against what he described as a regime clinging to power through fear and violence.

?I call on all those who have been arbitrarily arrested, and on the members of my family who have been kidnapped: hold on ? I will not rest until this regime returns your victory,? he said.

He also praised elements of the national army whom he described as ?loyalist,? claiming they had ensured his safety.

?I thank the loyalist army, which has shown its patriotism by escorting me to a safe location and is currently ensuring my protection. I will deliver a solemn address in a few moments,? he added. (Daily Trust)

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