Consternation in Wum as soldiers kills emblematic youth leader

The inhabitants of Mukuru, in Wum, North West region of Cameroon are still in abject shock after the latest raid by the military forces left a host of young individuals dead.

In what they term “targeted killings” by the government forces, they complained of the murder of a young individual by the name Ofon Joel, an emblematic youth leader who had taken leadership of the Mukuru community after the passing away of the Fon.

“They arrested Ofon Joel, Ntong Victor, and two other individuals during their raid. When they were around a place called Medino, they shot and killed Ofon Joel. The three others were spared after a call intervened to stop the assailants,” explained an indigene of Mukuru.

Ofon Joel was a farmer and a bike rider who was also acting as the interim leader of the people of Mukuru.

There are wild claims that the death of the youth leader was orchestrated by grazers whose livestock might have eaten through farmer’s crops. It is said they may have paid the military officials to carry out the macabre act.

With the death of Ofon Joel, locals say the whole community has been plunged into deep sorrow as the leadership of the young man had become very iconic and calm to the extent that schools had even begun operating in the area.

Tributes to Joel Ofon

Young and vibrant as he was, the selfless youth leader certainly left a big hole in the hearts of the people of Mukuru. Many have poured out their tributes and blessings to the towering youth leader while laying curses on his killers.

“Joel, a hardworking young man was the one who facilitated things in the Village including the execution of AYADA Projects. It is less than two weeks that I sent Joel, on behalf of Mukuru to the Village with money to motivate the teachers who are helping to keep the school running. I also sent him to do my private errands in the Village. Before going down, he showed me the telephone I asked him to buy for my sister in the Village. Joel will hand money you send to your relation through Mobile Money without charges. He did all these and many more for Mukuru. I mean, for Mukuru due to his love for his people. Joel took after Engelbert who was displaced because of the ongoing crisis. I hope another strong young man will emerge. God’s work does not ‘’die’’ Oh! Joel, you are an icon, a great hero, a man of our times we have lost. Go! To the right place, a place for honored people. RIP junior one,” a native of Mukuru said in a touching eulogy.

Ofon Joel during one of his outreach programs

“My heart has been very heavy since yesterday when I heard of your death. It is indeed sad to know human lives have no meaning in Cameroon. In a short while, Mukuru has lost dynamic youths. Lord, we pray may you protect your people. Brother Joel, you have gone to a land where there’s no war, rest in peace bro,” wrote another distressed Mukuru individual.

“Those behind Joel’s dead will have their reward in full. That is for sure. You were the best youth, a blessed youth of the land of Mukuru”.

So far, there has been no official reaction from the authorities and the military personnel in Wum as to why Ofon Joel was gunned down by them.

The Anglophone crisis so far has taken away many bright minds and great leaders from society, but for the people of Mukuru, this perhaps is an unforgivable wrong.

Mimi Mefo Info