By Njoh Linda
Two people are feared dead after an explosion rattled Mile 6 Nkwen, Bamenda, this Sunday morning, triggering heavy gunfire that disrupted church services in the area.
The incident occurred as Christians were heading to worship, forcing other congregations particularly around the St. Paula Mission Station in the Ntefinki neighborhood of Nkwen to briefly cut services.
According to an eyewitness, an improvised explosive device (IED) was allegedly planted along the roadside near the mission station. As worshippers were on their way to church, some vehicles reportedly passed over the spot.
Moments later, a loud explosion was heard, followed by gunfire.
“People started screaming and running. Inside the church, we all lay flat on the floor praying as gunshots rang out,” a worshipper told MMI. “When we later came out, we saw a big crater on the road and blood stains believed to be from the victims.”
It is not clear who would have planted the explosive device but separatist fighters have in the past targeted security forces and locals with IEDs.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that four security personnel on patrol were close to the explosive when it detonated, allegedly killing two of them.
However, MMI cannot independently verify these reports, and no official statement has yet been issued by authorities.
In the aftermath of the blast, security forces were deployed across the neighborhood, mounting patrols and restricting movement as they secured the area and searched for possible suspects.
The incident has renewed fears among residents of Nkwen, where sporadic violence linked to the ongoing Anglophone crisis continues to affect civilian life, including religious activities.
As of the time of filing this report, tension remained high.
