A stray bullet tragically cut short the life of a young boy in Akum, a locality within the Santa Mezam Division of Cameroon’s restive North West region.
The child’s identity remains undisclosed.
Local sources report that the Sunday, May 19th incident unfolded during a gunfire exchange between armed fighters aligned with the separatist Ambazonia movement and Cameroonian government forces.
According to sources who spoke to MMI on condition of anonymity, “the gunfire exchange was provoked by an attack launched by the Separatist Ambazonia fighters.”
The young boy reportedly received a fatal gunshot wound to the mouth.
Unconfirmed reports suggest casualties on both sides of the conflict.
“Akum was attacked by Amba boys today,” a source who requested anonymity for security reasons told MMI. “This child was killed by a stray bullet during the attack.”
The source further claimed, “One military officer was also killed and two wounded, with one Amba fighter killed as well.”
While government officials have yet to comment on the attack, no separatist group has come forward to claim responsibility.
This incident follows a “ghost town” lockdown imposed by separatist militants across Cameroon’s North-West and South-West regions in an attempt to disrupt upcoming Unity Day celebrations scheduled for Monday, May 20th.
The 52nd edition of the national holiday will be observed throughout the country, with President Paul Biya expected to preside over festivities in the capital city of Yaounde.
