Lake Nyos Gas Disaster: Education, Blessings Prioritized, 40 Years After

T oday August 21, 2026 marks 40 years since toxic gas emission from Lake Nyos in Fungom Subdivi­ sion in Menchum Division of the North West Region caused the death of more than 1,700 people, thousands of animals and the sub­ sequent relocation of survivors to settlement camps. In order to commemorate Lake Nyos Gas Disaster, traditional authorities and the people of Nyos Village have embarked on a series of activities intended to make life better for the population. The traditional ruler of Nyos Village, His Majesty Fon Ri­ chard Kimbi has been at the fore­ front of these activities. He told Ca­ meroon Tribune on telephone that on August 17, 2026, he led his sub­ jects and people from neighbouring villages to Lake Nyos for traditional rites. He explained that the rites at the banks of the lake were to open the door for the rugby Jubilee. He used the occasion to beg their an­ cestors who reside in the lake for abundant harvest from their farms, catch from the forest and bodies of water in the village and abundant delivery of children. “When we do that, we officially hand all activities on Nyos land to our ancestors and equally commit to their hands the safety and protection of all the visi­ tors,” he said. On the eve of the commemoration day proper, Fon Richard Kimbi dis­ closed, Nyos people and visitors would have to converge on the Nyos Palace for development meeting and use the occasion to raise funds for the education of their children. A wake ceremony programmed to lead...