CHRDA Calls for Investigations into Killing of Bamenda Deputy Mayor

By David Atangana

The Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA) is the latest institution to condemn the murder of the Second Deputy Mayor of Bamenda II, Joko Frida, who was found dead on Monday, hours after being kidnapped.

A CHRDA statement on Tuesday offered condolences to her family, and called for an independent investigation into the crime.

Joko Frida, who was also president of the women’s wing of the ruling CPDM party, was kidnapped and subsequently murdered by armed separatists.

“CHRDA condemns in very strong terms the barbaric and cruel execution of Mrs. Joko, an unarmed civilian,” the organization wrote.

It added, “There is no justification for such barbarism and this constitutes a breach of the existing National and International Human Rights/Humanitarian laws.”

According to reports, Mrs Joko was picked October 26 from her Savannah Street home at Old Town, Bamenda, shortly after she attended a documentary screening ceremony about President Paul Biya’s Legacy.

The occasion took place at Upstation, Bamenda, with hundreds of CPDM faithful in attendance.

Her mortal remains were only discovered at Nchuobo Junction in the Bamenda II Subdvision on Monday, October 28, according to a press release signed by the Senior Divisional Officer for Mezam Divsion, Simon Emile Mooh.

While urging belligerents in the conflict in the North West and South West regions to refrain from attacking unarmed civilians, “CHRDA enjoins the authorities in the area to carry out a prompt, independent, and transparent investigation and bring the perpetrators to book.”

The killing of Joko Frida is the latest of several extrajudicial killings that have rocked Bamenda since the onset of the separatist conflict in 2017.