Cameroon(National Times)-Killings, multiple arrests and kidnapping marked the traditional separatists-imposed civil disobedience of ghost town across the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon Monday April 1st as the end to the conflict seems far away.
Across the South West Region, at least 200 youths were picked up in the locality of Muntengene in Fako Division. This followed a security raid Monday morning as part of measures to stamp out separatists incursions.
Security forces raided homes and reportedly arresting youths without the national identity cards in the process. Early Tuesday, calm had return to Muntengene after a difficult Monday following the heavy military presence of Monday. A good number are said to have regained their freedom after the presentation of identification documents
At nightfall same Monday, news emerged of the kidnap of the first deputy mayor of the Idenau council in the West Coast Sub Division, Emmanuel Panda. Unknown gunmen suspected to be separatists’ footmen are feared to be the authors of the kidnap.
Reports hold that, the gunmen first used the vehicle of their victim to abduct him then continued with the use of a bike towards the Bomboko area in Mbonge Sub Division in Meme Division. Security forces have launched a manhunt for the municipal authority. There have been no reports of demand for ransom yet.
In the North West Region, at least four persons are reported to have died under unclear circumstances as separatists’ and military clashes erupted in Kumbo, Bui Division. Security raids on some neighbourhoods in the course of same day were reported within the same municipality.
The most pathetic of the cases of deaths is that of a certain lady whose names The National Times got as Pricilia Mbu. She was reportedly fired at by men dressed in military attire.
In Bamenda, it was the arrest of journalist Manaesseh Vushighoh. The staff of Sky Sport Radio was picked up on Ghana Street. Reports hold that, he had no identification document on him. He was released later after colleagues mobilised to where Vushighoh was held and presented his documents.
Aside these developments, villages, towns and cities across the two English-speaking Regions remained grounded. Inhabitants remained indoors. All activities of human engagement were brought to a standstill.
