The brutal killing of at least 11 Cameroonian soldiers by Boko Haram militants in Wulgo has thrown Cameroon into mourning. It has generated an outpouring of grief and condemnation from political figures, activists, and public personalities. The attack occurred on the night of March 24-25, 2025. It has once again highlighted the persistent security challenges in the country’s Far North region.
Samuel Eto’o: “Our Country is Mourning”
Football legend and FECAFOOT President Samuel Eto’o took to social media to express his sorrow over the tragic loss.
“Our country is mourning… 11 of our brave and courageous soldiers lost their lives in Wulgo in the Far North, against Boko Haram. These 11 fallen patriots on the battlefield defended our freedom and integrity. I extend my sincere condolences and solidarity to all the bereaved families. I invite all young Cameroonians to take the measure of the sacrifice of these 11 soldiers, to whom we must all pay a vibrant tribute.”
Michèle Ndoki: “Cameroon Deserves Better”
Barrister and political leader Michèle Ndoki also condemned the attack, calling for better leadership and accountability.
“I am deeply saddened and outraged by the brutal killing of at least 11 of our brave soldiers in Wulgo on the night of March 24-25, 2025. These men gave their lives in service to our nation, standing against terror in a conflict that has dragged on for far too long without real solutions.
“For decades, Cameroon has been trapped in cycles of violence, insecurity, and neglect. Our soldiers, our citizens, and our future deserve better. It is time for change, for unity, and for a leadership that values the lives of its people.”
Maurice Kamto Calls for Military Reform
The leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM), Maurice Kamto, also condemned the attack and called for urgent military reforms to address growing security threats.
“The Boko Haram sect struck again, killing soldiers on the night of March 24-25, 2025, in Wulgo, Borno State, northeast Nigeria. The death toll, as yet unofficial, is said to be very high. It is reminiscent of the nights of July 24 and 26-27, 2021, in the same locality, when many of our soldiers were killed.
“The resurgence of these deadly attacks suggests major management problems in the military high command. It is time for the political authorities to come up with appropriate solutions to the profound and urgent problems raised by these recurring fatal attacks. One of these problems is that of rejuvenating the senior ranks of our Army.”
Cabral Libii: “I Have a Heavy Heart”
Cabral Libii, leader of the PCRN party, also expressed his sadness over the attack. He has called for stronger measures to end the cycle of violence.
“I salute the memory of the Lions of the defence who fell by the dozens following a terrorist attack on the military base in Wulgo in the Far North. Every time a soldier dies for my country, my heart is heavy, and I measure the weight of the sacrifice. Condolences to the families bereaved by terrorist savagery. Courage to the defense forces of the Republic. I would so much like to be in a position to put an end to this massacre. May God grant us grace.”
Akere Muna: A Call for National Reflection
Presidential candidate and leader of the Now Movement, Akere Muna, criticised the lack of national focus on the attack. He further lamented that media attention had been diverted to other events.
“It is with great sadness that I learn of the heinous and deadly attack by Boko Haram on a position of our Defence Forces today, March 25, 2025, in Wulgo. This attack claimed the lives of 11 of our brave soldiers, and about twenty others are seriously injured. I am particularly shocked that throughout the day, the vast majority of our country’s media dedicated their news editions to football and the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the ruling party when we should have taken the time to reflect on the sacrifice of these valiant compatriots who fell with weapons in hand on the field of honor.”
Joshua Osih: “We Must Unite Against Terror”
The chairman and presidential candidate of the SDF, Joshua Osih, also paid tribute to the fallen soldiers. He further urged national unity in the fight against terrorism.
“I am heartbroken by the brutal killing of 11 brave Cameroonian soldiers in Wulgo by Boko Haram. These heroes gave their lives to protect our nation. My deepest condolences to their families and comrades. Cameroon will never forget their sacrifice. We must unite against terror.”
A Nation in Need of Solutions
The attack in Wulgo has further increased the spotlight on Cameroon’s ongoing struggle against Boko Haram and the broader security crisis in the region. While tributes and condolences continue to pour in, many citizens and leaders are calling for urgent action to ensure that such tragedies do not become a recurring reality.
In the midst of all this, however, Cameroon’s ageing president, 92-year-old President Paul Biya, has not issued a direct statement. The only statement from the government has come from the Ministry of Defence, signed by Navy Captain Atonfack Guemo Cyrille Serge, Head of Communication Division at the Ministry.
As the country reflects on this devastating loss, the question still remains: What concrete steps will the government take to protect its soldiers and its people?
