Armed attackers burn down road construction equipment in Ndu

Armed attackers suspected to be Ambazonia separatist fighters have burned down the equipment pool of construction company Buns in Ndu, Donga Mantung Division of the North West Region.

The attack occurred last night, with locals reporting gunshots and waking up to the vandalised equipment pool on the morning of January 25.

Among the machinery burned were two bulldozers.

A Ndu resident informed MMI that the security guard was severely beaten during the attack and is currently hospitalised.

The incident is the latest of several attacks on governmental projects, primarily by separatists who are fighting for a breakaway state in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon.

In an attempt to hinder the progress of government activities, separatist fighters have previously burnt down road construction equipment in several parts of the two regions since the armed conflict broke out in 2017.

Ngala, a resident of Ndu, questioned the rationale behind destroying infrastructure while ostensibly fighting against government neglect.

Buns had been entrusted with the construction of the Ndu section of the Bamenda Ring Road, a key road that links six out of seven divisions in the North West Region.

The road is among several governmental projects that have been abandoned by the government since the armed conflict in the Anglophone Regions broke out.

The persisting issue of poor road conditions in Ndu has caused significant inconvenience for the locals, who now face increased expenses and extended travel times due to bad roads.

Residents have been decrying the travel difficulties.

“Basic goods have become so expensive that we feel cut off from the rest of the country,” said a resident.

The prevailing atmosphere in Ndu is one of mourning, as suspicions point towards separatist fighters believed to have infiltrated the area from Bui Division although no group has claimed responsibility yet.

The government is yet to make an official statement regarding the incident.

Mimi Mefo Info