Buea Denizens Brave Day One Of Lockdown, Turn Up For PM’s Visit

Many towns in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon were deserted all day long today as their inhabitants began observing a weeklong lockdown imposed by Ambazonia separatists.

Areas like Mbonge for instance even had reports of gunshots that further scared inhabitants who were already indoors.

The atmosphere in Buea, the chief town of the South West region however was slightly different. Prior to the visit of Prime Minister Dion Ngute to the town, its main streets could be seen busy with taxis plying the roads though not as usual.

Students of the University of Buea that had classes also returned home as most of their mates and teachers failed to show up for classes.

During PM Dion Ngute’s time in the town, most shops in the quarters had not fully opened their doors as one would have expected. The turnout at the Bongo Square grand stand however was massive, with many clothed in their CPDM party wears to welcome the statesman.

“My main reason of not fully opening my shop today was for fear of tomorrow. When the PM returns and there’s less security who will look after me if they (Ambazonian fighters) come here?” Abdul, a shopkeeper in Buea asks.

Just like in Buea, the Prime Minister also had a huge crowd turn up to see him in Limbe and Tiko, all towns in Fako Division, South West region.

While more economic activities were recorded later on Thursday evening in Buea, it is still unclear how the coming days will look like, bearing in mind that many more seem to be leaving the town for fear of the unknown as the elections approach.

MMI