Separatist fighters operating in Mbengwi, Momo division of the restive North West region have instituted fresh restrictions on the population.
The new move which comes after the separatist fighters reportedly lost one of theirs in a military raid, locals said have plunged them into renewed suffering.
On Tuesday February 1, at least one Amba fighter was killed at an illegal checkpoint along the Bamenda-Mbengwi road. This was at a spot called C-Bend.
The incident is said to have happened when government forces onboard a public transport vehicle took the Amba boys by surprised and open fire at the control post.
One separatist fighter was killed while others reportedly dashed into the bushes and disappeared. The killing of one of the armed men is said to be what angered the none-state-armed groups who in return have imposed a ban on circulation on that stretch of road.
Many locals have however asked why they should be to ones to pay for what they say is the “stupidity” of the Amba fighters
” They should know this is war and the opponent can use any means to attack. They should not always think that they will always come in their military vehicles, this is funny of them, now we are the ones suffering, tomorrow they will say they are fighting for us,” a driver plying the Mbengwi road told MMI.
Some people are said to be accessing Mbengwi through Bali. The fare is said to have also risen from 1000FCFA to between 2000 and 2500FCFA.
Passengers say they now have no choice since that was the only means until the road linking Mbengwi and Bali was blocked, Thursday February 3. The said the action has compounded the already bad situation in the area
Even locals who earn a living by selling a the popular Tad Market which was to hold today have been unable to travel. Activities are now at a standstill. Commercial bikers and other transporters are also feeling the pinch. Many have expressed hope to see the Amba fighters change their mind.
