Long gun battles that have become a regular
occurrence in Bafut Sub division of Mezam Division continued yesterday school
reopening day.
From what we gathered the gun shots started
within the early hours of yesterday forcing a majority of the population to
stay indoors. Circulation was paralysed and further made worst by the blocking
of roads with tress cut by the roadside.
We cannot independently confirm who was
involved in the gun battle but recent attacks around the area have been linked
to Ambazonia Defense Forces ADF or other rival armed groups being armed groups
fighting for the Independence of the two English speaking regions of Cameroon.
Most of the attacks which target Cameroon
Military posts have met very resistance from military resulting in gun battles
that have claimed hundreds of lives in the last two years.
Previous attacks around the area have
resulted in the loss of lives, burning of state security posts and
administrative offices.
Located some 8km away from Bamenda, Bafut is along
the Bamenda-Wum road mostly bushy providing a safe haven for the armed group
from where they sporadically launch attacks in a typical guerilla warfare
style.
Just about 2km away from Njinteh Bafut where
administrative offices are located, Reports from Agyati Bafut say the guns used
did not sound like hunting guns which according to the Minister of Territorial
Administration are being used by the armed groups. Worried over the sound of
the guns and the time the shooting lasted; our sources say “I don’t think those
people are using hunting guns. You can’t know the difference in the sounds.”
Kidnappings of kids have also been reported
around the area with a relative confirming “they just kidnapped my little
cousin from the PSST Bafut this morning. They have given him a phone to call
and all he was allowed to say is they have taken us and the seized the phone.”
A message circulating on social media said to
be from one Tabong Daniel Boarding Master of PSS Bafut also talks on the
kidnapping. “Presbyterian Secondary School and Presbyterian Girls Secondary
School were attacked and the principal and students of Presbyterian Girls
Secondary School (PGSST) Bafut were kidnapped.” The message reads adding that
“all the abducted students have been released! The person who is still under
captivity is the principal Mr Ndue Derrick.”
No one has taken responsibility of the
attacks and the kidnappings.
The attack paralysed activities in the area
all day thus preventing the effective resumption of schools.