Cameroon’s military has in usual fashion denied carrying out killings in Mautu, a locality in the conflict hit South West region.
In a release this evening, the army spokesperson, Navy Captain Atonfack Guemo Cyrille Serge recounts the Force’s version of the incident.
At midday on Sunday January 10, 2021, he says the 21st motorised infantry battalion carried out a “… preventive raid on the positions of terrorist groups under the orders of the so-called “Spirito” and “Gabonais” in the locality of Mautu…”
The said armed individuals, he says, opened fire at the sight of the armed forces, but were “neutralised”.
“Others who were injured took to their heels, weapons and munitions were recovered” he notes, adding that “combing operations are still ongoing on in the area to find any injured fugitive”.
The operation, Navy Captain Atonfack Guemo Cyrille Serge says, was “… Carried out in strict compliance with the rules of engagement”.
The said separatists, “apparently overwhelmed by the turn of events, conceived in their occult offices, a hotchpotch of gruesome images in a bid to blame our Defence forces, for a blind massacre perpetrated in Mautu” he added.
Ironically, his release adds that “high command has prescribed thorough investigation to clarify these obscure machinations and to shed light if necessary on the content of the gruesome images in circulation”.
The army’s response it should be recalled, is similar to many including that made after Ngarbuh incident for which it was later indicted by an inquiry commission.
Locals have also testified that the act was carried out by the military, saying soldiers entered the vicinity and opened fire randomly.
Close to 10 persons including women and kids were victims of the attack.
Mimi Mefo Info
Mautu killings: Army makes ‘déjà vu’ response, says images are fake
