Bafut under military siege, at least six killed as raid persists

There is mayhem in Bafut in the North West Region since government soldiers started combing streets and homes in the area situation few kilometres away from the town of Bamenda.

Last Sunday, a young man was brutally murdered, beheaded and hung by the road side by government forces. It is almost one week after the incident and the village is still under military siege.

There is still fear among locals as more lives have been lost.

Speaking on the basis of anonymity, Paul who is a Bafut native says they have known no peace since the invasion.

As if the brutal killing of a young man was not enough, Paul says soldiers have been roaming the streets these past days, breaking doors and looting houses.

“The military has been there since Sunday causing havoc. They are breaking into every home in Bujong quarter” he says sounding worried.

Like many other villagers, Paul says he too has been a victim of the siege. “They came into our house yesterday (Wednesday) while we were at my aunt’s burial in another quarter. They broke all our 8 doors, scattered the whole house and took a lot of our belongings, and all mattresses” he says.

“Everything including my child’s bed and belongings have been destroyed… My documents from birth certificate to DIPES 2 are no where to be found” he adds.

While Paul is counting his losses, those of others he says are too heavy to bear. “Six civilians have been killed in Swie quarter Bafut… everything is still scattered and were are afraid to stay around the house”.

A gun exchange Paul notes also ensued between separatist fighters and the military yesterday morning leaving locals more scared than ever.

While many go about carrying out daily activities in other parts of the Country, many residents of Bafut remain uncertain about every moment and only hope not to be the next victim.

Mimi Mefo Info