Nkambe is in turmoil as two vigilante group members have been apprehended, and four others are alleged to have links to the 11 February bombing that was described by some as a ‘war crime‘. Many fingers had pointed to Ambazonia separatists, but recent revelations are pointing to a different, more chilling story.
Recent months have cast a shadow over Nkambe, once regarded as a tranquil haven in the strife-torn northwest region of Cameroon.
From the devastating bomb blast on February 11, which left nearly 70 students injured and some dead, to the recent incineration of 13 motorcycles and the abduction of two primary school educators by Separatists, a new narrative has emerged for the nerve centre of Donga Mantung division.
Investigations into these incidents have led to the apprehension of certain collaborators of the administration posing as members of the vigilante group.
A reliable source within the security apparatus in Nkambe, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed, “Sebastian, a notorious figure within the vigilante group, known as Saa, was apprehended by the national gendarmerie along with Kiyo Ernest from Tabenken. Sebastian was found in possession of an AK47 rifle and a significant amount of money.”
The detained duo confessed to various crimes, including involvement in the bombing in Nkambe. However, several others implicated by the detainees remain at large.
According to confirmed reports, “they include Malvin Aloma, Kabiru, Ayouba, and Tamfu Jude.”
Ngum, also known as Paja in Tabenken, allegedly involved in dubious dealings with members of the vigilante group, has also fled.
Malvin Aloma, reportedly a former Ambazonian combatant and the mayor of Nkambe’s bodyguard, along with Tamfu, a close associate of Nkambe’s Member of Parliament, Ngala Gerald, are among those evading capture.
Sources within Nkambe informed MMI, “The mayor’s bodyguard, Malvin, is on the run. Tamfu Jude has disappeared from the town.”
An audio recording obtained by MMI captures a relative warning Kabiru against returning to Nkambe, as he is marked for arrest by the company commander. “Kabiru, you’ve been targeted for arrest by the company commander. Stay where you are, because coming here will lead to your arrest,” the message stated.
Another source informed MMI that “Nkambe is in turmoil, and heads will roll.”
Meanwhile, a security insider disclosed to MMI that investigations and call tracing point to the aforementioned individuals, led by Malvin Aloma, as the masterminds behind the February 11 bomb blast in Nkambe.
“Those whose businesses were targeted by the bomb received warnings via phone calls not to open their establishments on the day of the incident,” the security source revealed.
The burning question on everyone’s mind is why collaborators of the administration would engage in such heinous acts instead of preventing them.
“Vigilante committees had become obsolete, and this was their desperate attempt to regain relevance,” remarked a local resident.
Some locals are blaming the company commander for making Nkambe susceptible to Ambazonian attacks by pursuing investigations and arresting members of the group.
The vigilante committee was established in Nkambe in response to the escalation of the Anglophone crisis into an armed conflict. However, over the years, their efficacy waned due to reports of theft and other misconduct and growing concerns about them.
Some members of the vigilante group were implicated in the Ngarbu massacre alongside government forces, although these allegations were dismissed by the authorities.
