Bamenda, headquarters of the North West Region, is grappling with public outcry over what residents describe as rampant extortion and brutalization by security forces following a ban on motorcycle circulation in specific areas.
The ban, initiated through a release dated December 1, and signed by the Senior Divisional Officer for Mezam, Simon Emile Moor, aimed to restrict motorbikes from certain zones within Bamenda.
The release tasked security forces and divisional officers with the implementation of the ban, leading to a wave of reported incidents involving the extortion of road users.
Locals have expressed their grievances, citing instances of harsh treatment and unlawful demands for money by security forces.
Blessing, a motorbike passenger, recounted a distressing encounter, stating, “I was hit severally by a police officer with a gun because I did not have 5000frs to give them.”
Another road user shared an experience of being stopped and forced to pay a significant sum.
“I was returning from a birthday party when suddenly officers popped up on the road, demanding that I pay 10,000frs as a passenger, and the bike rider will pay 25,000frs or we ended up paying 15,000frs before they could let us continue our journey,” the individual explained.
Reports include incidents where police officers seized motorcycles at gunpoint, leading to both financial penalties and alleged mistreatment of riders.
Tse Don, a bike rider, recounted, “Police officers seized my Moto bike at gunpoint at T-Junction. They rough handled me behind Total Commercial Avenue and harassed me, taking away 25,000frs as a fine for violating the SDO’s order.”
Observers argue that the SDO’s order may be counterproductive, pushing bike riders towards criminal activities while allowing officers to exploit the situation for personal gain.
Afuh, a civil society advocate, criticized the decision, stating, “Such a decision has never stopped those they call terrorists from carrying out their barbaric acts. I think other strategies should be used to reduce security threats rather than sending more bike riders into criminality in the name of banning bikes from some areas.”
The festive period, traditionally a peak economic time, has been impacted, particularly in the motorcycle sector.
Amadu, a bike rider in Nkwen, lamented, “I used to make hundreds of thousands during the festive period, but this time I have not been able to make up to a hundred thousand.”
He added, “The SDO is only trying to radicalize more bike riders with his order.”
Road users argue that the ban, compounded by poor road conditions causing traffic congestion, is counterproductive, as motorcycles are often the fastest means of reaching destinations.
The situation has prompted calls for alternative strategies to address security concerns without adversely affecting the livelihoods of motorcycle riders and the general public.
