The St. Patrick’s Catholic Health Centre in Kedjom Ketinguh (Small Babanki) has been forced to shut down following a series of incidents involving Ambazonia separatists operating in Bamessing, Ndop.
According to eyewitness reports, the separatists arrived at the health centre on Sunday, August 11th, and kidnapped one of the Reverend Sisters working there. The abducted Sister was taken to Bamessing. The following day, the separatists visited the Parish, where they met with the Parish Priest, Fr. Charles. During this encounter, they negotiated with him and took away several items, including a gas bottle. Subsequently, the Reverend Sister was released.
However, the situation escalated as the separatists began threatening the medical doctor and other health personnel. Fearing for their safety, the doctor, the previously kidnapped Reverend Sister, and other staff members fled the village. This exodus has led to the closure of the health centre, which was one of the few facilities providing essential medical services to the local population. xz
One local resident expressed his distress: “This health centre was our only hope. Now, we have nowhere to go for medical help.”
Another villager shared her fears: “We are scared for our lives. The separatists have made it impossible for us to live in peace.”
The shutdown of St. Patrick’s Catholic Health Centre has left the community without critical healthcare services, exacerbating the already dire situation in the region. Local authorities are yet to comment on the incident, and the community remains in a state of uncertainty and fear.
