The streets of Bamenda have witnessed a disturbing increase in violent attacks against vehicles by Ambazonia separatists this week, further escalating tension in the conflict-ridden North West region. On the evening of June 8, armed men identifying themselves as ADF fighters set a vehicle ablaze in the Old Church neighborhood.
At approximately 6:00 PM, the tranquil evening was shattered as several gunmen arrived on motorcycles, discharging ear-splitting gunshots into the air. The unexpected commotion caused panic among residents, leading to a chaotic scene as people scrambled for safety. Several individuals reportedly sustained minor injuries in the ensuing mayhem.
The target of the attack was a ‘K truck,’ whose driver was forced to abandon the vehicle and flee for his life. The assailants, seizing the opportunity, doused the truck in fuel and set it on fire before making their escape. The vehicle was quickly engulfed in flames, adding to the growing sense of fear and insecurity in the region.
This incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks that have gripped Bamenda, exacerbating the already dire situation for its residents. The Northwest region has been a flashpoint of conflict, with sporadic violence affecting daily life and disrupting any sense of normalcy.
Authorities have yet to apprehend the perpetrators, and the motive behind this specific attack remains unclear. However, the modus operandi of the gunmen—using motorcycles and targeting vehicles—mirrors previous attacks in the area, suggesting a pattern of coordinated assaults aimed at instilling fear and disrupting transportation.
Local residents have expressed their growing concern over the increasing frequency and brazenness of these attacks. Many are calling for enhanced security measures and a more robust response from law enforcement to restore peace and safety in the region. Authorities have been urging the population to collaborate with the administration for their safety and security.
In the meantime, the burned-out shell of the ‘K truck’ stands as a grim reminder of the volatile and unpredictable nature of life in Bamenda.
