Hamadou Bi Ibrahim: Race of Hope Champion Targeted in Foiled Kidnap Attempt

By Angu Lesley

Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon

Fresh off his historic victory at the 2026 Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, Hamadou Bi Ibrahim has narrowly escaped a kidnapping attempt, in an incident that has cast a shadow over his recent rise to national fame.

The 31st edition of the iconic race, held on February 21 in Buea, saw more than 600 athletes compete in the demanding 42-kilometre high-altitude course. Representing Afeum-Alah Athletics Club of Awing, Hamadou Bi Ibrahim clinched the senior men’s title, while Wirba Mary Grace emerged winner in the women’s category. His triumph instantly elevated him into the spotlight.

A mountain runner from Oguina, Hamadou Bi Ibrahim’s victory came with significant rewards—10 million francs CFA (around $20,000)—as well as multiple sponsorship deals. Within weeks, he had transformed from a relatively low-profile athlete into one of the most talked-about sports figures in the country.

But that sudden fame appears to have made him a target.

After the race, Hamadou returned to his native North-West Region, a crisis-hit part of the country, where he settled in his hometown of Biss. It was during this homecoming period that armed Mbororo kidnappers launched a planned operation to abduct him.

The attackers reportedly tracked his movements and struck in nearby Zang-Tabi, hoping to seize the athlete, likely for ransom. However, their plan was thwarted by the swift and courageous intervention of local residents, who mobilised and confronted the gang.

In the ensuing chaos, three of the kidnappers were captured before they could reach Hamadou Bi Ibrahim. The gang leader—identified as the son of Manu Djibo from Bali—managed to escape with the military-grade weapons brought for the mission, raising fears of a possible regrouping.

As tensions flared following the arrests, the traditional ruler, HRH Taye Tita Tabi X, stepped in to prevent mob justice. He appealed for calm and immediately alerted security forces in Mbengwi, who are expected to take over the investigation and pursue the fugitive.

Despite the shocking turn of events, Hamadou Bi Ibrahim remains safe. However, the attempted kidnapping underscores the risks that can come with sudden fame and financial success, especially in volatile regions, turning what should have been a moment of triumph into one of caution.

For Ibrahim and his entourage, the right thing to do is move to an environment of greater visibility void of such risk and exposed to more opportunities.