The village of Bangolan in Cameroon’s restive North West Region is currently under an indefinite lockdown, as declared by the Ambazonia separatists, led by the self-styled ‘General No Mercy.’ This announcement comes in the wake of the deaths of two separatist fighters, whose bodies were discovered abandoned on the streets, reportedly as a result of actions taken by the Cameroon military.
A video obtained by MMI depicts the separatists solemnly carrying the bodies of their fallen comrades, attributing their deaths to the local population. The incident allegedly took place last night in Bangolan, situated in the Ngoketunjia Division.
As per a local resident’s account, the separatist fighters have been causing distress to villagers through acts of terror, including kidnappings and extortion. “They were caught and killed by soldiers stationed at the former Bangolan Baptist Hospital (BBH). Early this morning, separatists roaming between Bambalang, Bangolan, Berr, Nkar, and Jakiri came to the village and ordered a lockdown of activities until the 24th of August. They claim the villagers set up their colleagues to be killed,” the resident told MMI.
The indefinite lockdown has caused significant worry among the local population, as they are apprehensive about the potential escalation of violence and the disruption it may bring to their daily routines. The situation continues to be tense as the separatists enforce their decree, causing the villagers to feel uncertain and fearful.
The separatists’ claims and the imposed lockdown have not received a response from the authorities, highlighting the persistent instability and conflict in Cameroon’s North West Region. The region has experienced a significant amount of violence and unrest, as various separatist groups strive for independence from the central government.
The residents of Bangolan and surrounding areas are preparing for the impact of the lockdown, eagerly awaiting a resolution that will bring peace and stability to their community as the situation unfolds.
