Origins of the Tribe

The term "Bakossi" collectively refers to the inhabitants of the immediate western and eastern slopes of Mount Mwanenguba and Mount Kupe, who acknowledge Ngoe as their common ancestor. Oral traditions assert that Ngoe "emerged on Mwanenguba Mountain" and, along with his wife, established a settlement on the western slopes at Mwekan. They had numerous children; however, the precise number and birth order vary across the oral traditions of different clans. From these slopes, their descendants subsequently migrated to various regions, although two sons, Anngoe (Nninong) and Ngemengoe (Bangem), remained with their father in the northern territory.

An internal family dispute led Asomengo, one of the sons, to move south. He claimed land stretching from just south of Muambong to the Ngomelenge (Efoto) River (near Mambanda), and from Mount Kupe in the east to the Mungo River in the west. Despite this, some of Asomengo’s descendants stayed in the north. Over time, some branches of this lineage allied with Anongoe’s children (Nninong) at Elom, becoming known as the “Elom-e-Nninong.” The remaining descendants, who kept their original identity, were called “Elom-e-Muetan.”

Another son, Kaahmogue (Elung), was perpetually engaged in conflicts with his brothers in his pursuit of land. Among Kaahnogue’s progeny, however, two groups of "deserters" sought to establish permanent settlements and cease hostilities: the Elung (who remained within the area) and the Balong (who migrated further south). According to one tradition, the Nhia are believed to have originated from the Nninong clan, having departed to acquire land in the highlands (present-day villages of Mwabi, Poala, and Ekambeng). Some accounts suggest a historical conflict between the Elung and the Nhia, nearly leading to the latter's extinction—a claim refuted by both the Nhia and Elung. Indeed, the Nhia and Elung themselves contend that no historical strife over land existed between them. The Nhia also disavow any Nninong origin, asserting instead their descent from Ngoe through Kaahngoe (Elung). Currently, relations between the Nhia and Elung are characterized by greater cordiality and fraternity than those between the Nhia and Nninong.

After the various brothers migrated, Ngoe's descendants experienced a loss of unity due to internal conflicts. The arrival of Europeans further exacerbated this discord, initially creating tension between chiefs and colonial administrators, and later intensifying divisions among the clans. For instance, the Bakossi of Nyasoso supported the Germans in their defeat of the Bakossi of Mwasundem, and the Nninong assisted the Germans in overcoming the Ellung. These events generated considerable animosity between these clans.