The traditional ruler of Wotutu, a localitity in Buea sub division of the South West Region of Cameroon was on Wednesday afternoon kidnapped by armed men, sources have said.

Chieg John Elate was abducted by unidentified gunmenn as he dropped from a bike coming from Limbe where he has been seeking refuge following continuous fightings between security forces and armed men, sources say.

He was picked up from the bîke he boarded and and carried on another bike to an unknown destination by the gunmen, sources said.

Traditional rulers have been the target of separatist forces in recent weeks with the traditional rulers of Oku released last weekend after spending days in captivity while the Fon of Bafut was briefly kidnapped before he was released.

In August,  seven traditional rulers from the Buea sub division were released after spending weeks in captivity where one passed away.

This is the latest incident in Wotutu which has become increasingly tensed in the past weeks following violent clashes between security forces and armed fighters which has led to several persons dead and many displaced.