Far North: Fishermen weep as Boko Haram activities foil trade

Boko Haram activities in Cameron’s Far North region may be on the decline, but its effects are still being felt daily by the average citizens.

In Blangoua, a community affected by the sect, fishermen say their businesses have been destroyed as the terrorist sect destroyed their canoes.

The plight they add, was worsened since Boko Haram fighters took the Lake hostage.

Things are not getting any better. Locals say clashes between soldiers and the terrorist sect are multiplying on the shores of the Lake. Several members of the local vigilante committee are also reported to have fallen in battle.

Mal Abba Oumar, a resident of Blangoua say “… without fishing we are going to starve. Before the security crisis, we went fishing for fish to resell. This allowed us to enrol our children in school, take care of their health, buy clothes…”

He adds that “… today, the city of Blangoua is facing a terrible ordeal… “

Thousands of families are no longer able to cater for their needs.

As part of measures to maintain security, officials have suspended fishing activities on the lake until further notice.

With the recent actions, the lives of thousands in that part of the country hang in the balance, as the situation risks increasing the level of crime in the locality.

Mimi Mefo Info