Panic swept through Bambili early on May 6 after a viral fake WhatsApp message falsely claimed that all entry points into the town would be blocked by local youths and that the Fon of Bambili had imposed a no-movement order. The message also alleged that the governor of the North West Region would visit the area to address security concerns.
Audio Warning Fuels Fear
The message, accompanied by an audio recording of a woman urging University of Bamenda (UBa) students to remain indoors due to “alarming kidnapping rates,” spread rapidly overnight. By morning, the streets of Bambili were nearly empty, and the university campus was effectively shut down as both students and staff stayed away out of fear.
“We had lectures at 7 a.m., but we were too scared to leave the hostel,” said a Level 200 student from the College of Arts and Design (CADs).
Message Source Unknown
The origin of the message remains unknown. Efforts by MMI to independently verify its source have been unsuccessful. Some observers speculate it may have been an attempt to highlight growing insecurity in the area.
In just the past five days, at least five people have reportedly been killed in and around Bambili. Unidentified armed men abducted several UBa students, leaving them missing.
Youth Group Issues Rebuttal
In response, the Mbeligi Youth Cultural Development Association released a public statement dismissing the message as false and misleading.
“The Fon of Bambili has not issued any instructions restricting movement. There is no visit from the governor planned. There is no strike or boundary blockage organised by the youths of Bambili,” the statement read.
The group urged residents to remain calm and verify information before sharing, warning against the spread of misinformation that can incite fear and disrupt public order.
Classes Halted Despite Clarification
Despite these reassurances, university authorities chose to stay off campus for the day, citing low student turnout and ongoing security concerns.
The incident highlights the fragile security situation in Bambili, a town increasingly affected by the ongoing Anglophone crisis. It also illustrates the powerful role of social media in influencing public behaviour—sometimes with serious consequences.
Following the recent wave of violence and abductions, many UBa students say they feel increasingly unsafe attending classes in Bambili. The feeling does not change with the fact that the Whatsapp message was found to be fake.
