Hundreds of Mamfe residents converged on Newtown, Egbekaw, in Manyu Division of the South West Region, to remember 27 people massacred by Ambazonia separatists on November 6, 2023.
The massacre coincided with celebrations marking President Paul Biya’s 41st anniversary in power.
A cross-section of attendees from various communities and denominations in Manyu Division attended a memorial service that the mayor of Mamfe, Robertson Tabenchong Ashu, organized on Wednesday.
Remembering the Fallen
The November 6, 2023 massacre was a tragic episode that left the Egbekaw community reeling.
On that night, 26 civilians and one soldier lost their lives in a brutal attack that shocked the nation.
The massacre saw armed assailants storming homes under the cover of darkness, leaving families torn apart and a village devastated.
Wednesday’s memorial mass marked a year since that fateful night. It offered families and the community a space for collective mourning and reflection.
Presbyterian Church Pastor, Rev Samuel Etembi, who led the tribute message, implored the community to continue praying for the departed souls and called on those responsible for the heinous act to repent.
“We must pray not only for those who were taken from us,” Pastor Etembi said, “but also for the souls of those who have caused such grief. May they find the courage to confess their sins, and may God’s mercy find them.”
A Call for Peace and Security
honouredIn his remarks, Mayor Robertson Tabenchong Ashu honored the memory of the massacre victims and emphasised the need for heightened security across Mamfe.
“We cannot allow such tragedy to revisit our community,” he stated.
“Our people deserve peace and safety, and we call upon authorities at all levels to fortify security in Mamfe and its environs to protect the innocent.”
The Mayor’s appeal was met with nods of approval from local leaders in attendance, a sign of the community’s shared desire for a more secure future.Mayor Ashu also led a moment of silence, his head bowed in quiet prayer for the lives lost. His words also reflected the pain and resilience of a community still grappling with the weight of tragedy.
As he concluded, he assured residents that his office would continue to work closely with security forces to enhance protection in Mamfe.
A Unified Community in Grief
The memorial saw an outpouring of support from various sectors of the community, including religious leaders, local officials, and traditional authorities.
The collective presence underscored the strength and unity of the Manyu Division in the face of adversity.
Leaders from different churches and denominations joined the ecumenical service, each offering prayers and reflections for healing and peace.
Genesis of the Tragedy
The events of November 6, 2023, remain etched in the memories of the people of Egbekaw.
On that fateful night, armed men unleashed a wave of terror across the village, leaving families shattered and a community scarred.
In the aftermath, local and national authorities vowed to bring those responsible to justice and address the security issues that have plagued the region.
The Southwest Region has been a hotbed of conflict and insecurity in recent years, with armed groups clashing over political and territorial disputes.
The Egbekaw massacre adds up to the toll violence has taken on ordinary civilians, who often find themselves caught in the crossfire.
Despite government assurances, however, many residents continue to express fears over recurring violence.
The memorial was not only a tribute to those who died but also a collective call for a peaceful resolution to the region’s ongoing unrest.
