Four Suspected Separatist Fighters Killed by Military in Bamenda Following Cabaret Attack

Cameroonian security forces killed four individuals believed to be separatist fighters, including one female, early Monday morning at Ntasen Bridge in the Nkwen area of Bamenda 3 Subdivision.

The incident comes just hours after an armed attack on Dreamland Cabaret, a popular nightlife venue in Bamenda, in which several civilians sustained serious injuries. While the link between the two events has not been officially confirmed, reports from local residents suggest the military operation may have been in response to the earlier shooting.

Corpses Still on the Scene

According to eyewitnesses, the operation took place at Ntasen Bridge below Foncha Junction around dawn. As of Monday morning, the bodies of the five deceased individuals remained at the scene, attracting attention from nearby residents.

“We heard gunshots, and a few hours later the military had surrounded the bridge area,” said a local resident who asked to remain anonymous. “People say it was those who attacked the cabaret.”

Unconfirmed Link to Cabaret Attack

The Dreamland Cabaret attack reportedly occurred around 3:00 a.m. on July 7, when unknown gunmen opened fire on civilians at the venue. Multiple victims were injured, and graphic videos shared online show people receiving emergency aid.

While no group has claimed responsibility, several witnesses and victims suspect the attackers were Ambazonia separatists. However, there is currently no independent confirmation linking the individuals killed at Ntasen Bridge to the earlier incident at Dreamland Cabaret.

Rising Violence in Bamenda

Bamenda has seen a series of violent episodes in recent months, often attributed to Ambazonia separatist fighters involved in the ongoing Anglophone conflict in Cameroon.

• On June 16, 2025, armed men shot and injured civilians in the Mile 3 area of Bamenda.
• On April 9, separatists claimed responsibility for a deadly ambush at Hospital Roundabout.
• In May 2024, audio leaks from a known separatist group included threats to target bars and cabarets in Bamenda.

Ntasen, located in Bamenda III Subdivision, has been the site of previous confrontations between government forces and armed groups.

By evening on July 7, military and local government authorities had not issued any official statement about the Ntasen killings or the Cabaret attack. They continue to maintain the usual silence over these issues.

MMI