By Amina Hilda
Chia Bih Linda, a 43-year-old widow and mother of three, lost her life when a boat carrying women of the Cameroon Baptist Convention capsized in Tiko, South West, on Saturday, January 13.
Eyewitnesses say 20 women were on the boat that capsized, with three of the rescued victims injured: Nforji Judith, Ngambi Dora and Ngwa Cecilia.
They were rushed to the Mutengene Mbingo Baptist Hospital.
The women were part of a group of over 80 Baptist women who were traveling that day to the Bikikri creek for a convention.
Eyewitness Madam Dengu recounted the heart-wrenching event: “The first set of women entered while we waited for our boat. While they were leaving, they did not go too far from the shore, then the boat capsized, overthrowing all about 20 women into the water.”
The rescue efforts were swift, with the rescue team and villagers diving into the water to save the women, many of whom lacked swimming skills.
Some, however, managed to rescue themselves.
Despite immediate medical attention, Chia Bih Linda succumbed to the ordeal.
Witnesses described desperate attempts to revive her, but she continued to vomit blood and foam until her passing.
Three other victims were rushed to the hospital in critical condition and have been receiving treatment at the Baptist Hospital in Mutengene.
The one-day meeting scheduled for that day was canceled and postponed due to the incident.
Rev. Wainkem Timothy, the Pastor at Emmanuel Baptist Church Likomba–Tiko, expressed regret over the tragedy.
“We will continue to trust God for the living, the children that the woman has left behind. We will trust God for their lives and their future and we are trusting God for continuity in the church,” Rev Wainkem said.
Linda Bih, a native of Njinikom in the North West Region of Cameroon, had recently lost her husband, leaving behind three children.
The community mourns the loss of a woman known for her joy and happiness.
Despite the grief, church leaders and members are rallying together to support the surviving family members and navigate through the challenging aftermath of the tragedy.
