The Guzang Market Square in Batibo Sub Division, Momo Division of the North West Region has become the focal point of public concern, with the unattended corpse of Efang Emmanuel, a self-proclaimed General of the Ambazonian Defence Forces (ADF), causing distress among locals.
The lifeless body of Ambazonia’s Efang, also known as Big Number, has been left undisturbed at Guzang Market Square for a span of five days, emitting noxious odors as it undergoes decomposition. The scene paints a grim tableau, with the neglected corpse lying in a deteriorating state.
The circumstances surrounding Big Number’s presence at the market square are linked to a retaliatory act by the military, supposedly in response to his alleged killing of two civilians in the same location. However, the consequences of leaving his corpse unattended extend far beyond.
The abandonment of the corpse has resulted in the closure of one of the region’s largest markets, exacerbating the already dire economic situation.
Mamoun, a trader in second-hand clothing known as Okrika, expressed her reluctance to go to the market unless it is disinfected. She stated, “I fear I might go to sell my goods but end up returning with an illness… If the market is not disinfected, I cannot go there to sell again.”
Furthermore, there are mounting concerns that the government’s actions may escalate tensions and incite further unrest among the populace.
Efang rose to prominence after the demise of the self-proclaimed General Ivo during the Anglophone Crisis. Despite his allegiance to Ayaba Cho’s ADF, his reign was marked by terror and violence against the population of Bali and parts of Momo Division.
Efforts to locate Efang’s family have been unsuccessful, with no one coming forward to claim the body despite announcements made by hospital authorities. The military’s decision to transfer the corpse from the Bamenda Hospital Mortuary to Guzang Market Square has prompted questions about its intended message and the potential repercussions of its actions.
Capo Daniel, a separatist leader now based in the UK, has made an appeal through a video, urging the Red Cross and the Presbyterian Church to help clear the area. However, his plea received unfruitful responses, as those he contacted, including the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, have indicated that only the state can authorize them to bury Efang Emmanuel.
As the situation continues to unfold, urgent intervention from local authorities is imperative to address the health risks posed by the decomposing corpse and restore normalcy to the area. Failure to act promptly not only jeopardizes public health but also risks exacerbating the already fragile socio-political situation in the region.
