Continuous Lockdown in Buea Even After Curfew Ends

The city of Buea, South West regional capital, continues to experience a dead town, two days after administrative authorities imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew. Very few people and vehicles could be seen plying the streets and quarters on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Many houses and business premises continue to remain closed, though administrative authorities have indicated the curfew had long been uplifted.

“I cannot set my foot outside until I’m sure people are moving. Since morning I have been peeping from my window to check if I can see people moving but nothing seems to be happening. So, I will wait till I see vehicles and people moving,” said Edith Mbaku, a resident of Buea Town.

The same notion seems to be held by many others who continue to remain indoors for fear of the unknown. Taxi drivers indicated that the situation has become so confusing as Amba fighters had indicated that movements will be prohibited from October 1.

“I love to work, only that I cannot risk my source of livelihood outside there, to be burnt by the Amba fighters. Remember, they said we should not work from October 1. So, I cannot take the risk of working, when they can set my vehicle ablaze,” Abduraman Abdel, a taxi driver in Buea said.

Meanwhile, the Divisional Officer of Buea, Kouam Wokam Paul, urged the population of the municipality to go about their daily activities freely. In a press release issued this Wednesday October 3, 2018, the administrator indicated that the prohibition of the movement of people ended at 6 am on Tuesday October 2. Therefore, he urged the people to come out from their homes and boost the economy of Buea.

In the meantime, fears are rife that the situation may continue this way till next Tuesday, given that the yet-to-be announced presence of the President of the Republic, Paul Biya, in Buea, will perturb circulation on Thursday, and the elections on October 7 will also prevent movement of people and goods.

Activities are likely going to regain steam in Buea only after Monday October 8, 2018.