The Bambili community is in mourning following a deadly attack on the night of May 2, 2025, at Mile 10. Armed Ambazonian separatist fighters, popularly known as ‘Amba Boys,’ opened fire on a group of civilians during a social gathering after a failed attempt to kidnap a senior official from the Upper Nun Valley Development Authority (UNVDA).
According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen demanded to know the whereabouts of the UNVDA official. When they failed to locate him, they began shooting into the crowd in what appeared to be a retaliatory act of frustration.
Victims Identified
Two individuals were killed in the attack. They have been identified as Barrister Ngu Clement Afah, a legal practitioner known and respected throughout the North West Region. The second is Pa Neba Lum, an older resident of Bambili who is recognised for his wisdom and longstanding service to the community.
Three other guests sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to a nearby hospital. Their identities remain undisclosed at the time of publication. Medical staff report that all three are in critical but stable condition.
Some sources have listed the victims as barrister Emmanuel Viban and notable George Njingum. MMI is still working to confirm why there is a disparity in names.
Security Response and Escalating Insecurity
Security forces arrived swiftly at the scene, but the attackers had already fled. As of now, no arrests have been made.
This incident adds to the growing wave of violence plaguing the North West Region. Kidnappings and targeted killings have become increasingly common, particularly targeting public servants, students, and community leaders.
A few days ago, gunmen suspected to be Amba Boys in a separate attack shot and killed the manager of Moghamo Travel Agency in Bambui. Another incident involved the abduction of a University of Bamenda student. These events have amplified fear among residents, who say they feel unprotected and vulnerable.
Call for Action and Remembrance of Past Attacks
“This is no longer just a crisis, it’s a humanitarian emergency,” said a local civil society leader who requested anonymity for security reasons. “Civilians are the ones paying the highest price.”
Community members and advocacy groups are once again calling on the government to initiate meaningful dialogue and take decisive action to restore peace in the restive region.
This is not the first time lawyers have been targeted. On January 11, 2022, Barrister Henry Kemende, a prominent and outspoken legal figure, was shot and killed in Bamenda. On the same day, Pa German Trench, a well-known local personality, was also killed in the same neighbourhood.
Urgent Need for Stability
As the cycle of violence continues, the population’s demand for stability is becoming more urgent. Community leaders stress that without swift action, the situation could deteriorate even further.
“We cannot continue to bury our elders and leaders,” said one Bambili resident. “We need peace — not promises.”
