A surge in theft and attacks targeting travelers along the Bamenda-Bambili-Bambui road has raised serious alarm among residents and business owners, with the deteriorating state of the road identified as a major cause.
Rising attacks on vehicles and road users in recent weeks has left residents of Bamenda grappling with safety concerns amid economic challenges already caused by the ongoing Anglophone Crisis.
Travelers have shared accounts of armed robberies assaults on vehicles, and they believe this has been exacerbated by the severely degraded road network.
The deep potholes force vehicles to move at a snail’s pace, rendering them easy targets for criminals, especially at night.
“The potholes are so deep. You have to navigate them like an obstacle course. It’s incredibly dangerous, and it makes you an easy target,” said one traveller.
In response, taxi drivers on the Bamenda-Bambili route are increasingly taking shortcuts to avoid the worst sections.
However, these shortcuts have heightened risks for passengers, with some drivers accused of theft or leading travelers to unsafe areas.
Economic and Social Fallout
Roads have been badly degraded in the city of Bamenda for a long time.
The persistent road neglect has taken a toll on the city’s economy.
The threat of theft and vehicle damage has deterred trade, driving up transportation costs and inflating prices for essential goods and services.
“These roads are the lifeblood of our economy,” stated a businessman from Mbingo, who frequently travels to Bamenda.
“Without proper infrastructure, we cannot hope to attract investment, create jobs, and improve the lives of our people.”
The situation has also restricted access to critical resources, including healthcare and education, placing additional strain on already vulnerable communities.
Residents think the combination of insecurity and bad roads threatens to deepen instability in the city if left unaddressed.
