By Njoh Linda
The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC), Rt. Rev. Miki Hans Abia, has offered a measure of comfort to families grieving the loss of their relatives to the flooding incident at Mile 2, Bamenda, last week.
The condolence message from the prelate, signed on March 29, comes as Bamenda residents continue to mourn at least four lives lost and pray for those injured after a fragile footbridge gave way, plunging victims into disaster in a place many crossed every day out of necessity.
For families now facing the sudden emptiness left by loved ones, the church’s words speak directly to their pain.
“Please be assured that you are not alone; the Church stands with you in prayer and in solidarity,” the Moderator wrote.
The Moderator said he received news of the collapse “with deep sorrow,” describing the loss of life and injuries as a heartbreaking blow to the community.
Invoking scripture, he turned to words many believers in the North West Region hold close in moments of grief.
He quoted Psalm 34:18 as saying: “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
He also cited Psalm 147:3:
“He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.”
The Mile 2 Nkwen bridge was a daily crossing point for traders, schoolchildren, workers and families moving between neighborhoods in a city where conflict, neglect and seasonal rains have already made movement dangerous.
Rt. Rev. Miki Hans Abia asked for comfort for the bereaved, healing for the injured, and protection for the wider Bamenda community, while praying that the souls of those who died may rest in peace.
So far, four corpses have been removed downstream in the Below Foncha neibohood by the Army rescue, among them three women and a man.
