Far North inhabitants clamour for justice after soldier shoots unarmed civilian

Inhabitants of Kolafata, a Boko Haram-hit locality in Cameroon’s Far North Region, say government soldiers have betrayed their trust after shooting, almost to death one Oumara Abba, a native of the area.

Oumara Abba was shot three bullets at about 7:00 pm on Saturday, while he sat at his door. Eye witnesses testify he was shot by a man in military uniform.
A witness of the incident recounts: “We were seated inside the house and suddenly, like in the movie, bom! bom! bom! We thought Boko Haram had attacked the village, so everyone was looking for a place to hide.”

“Then Oumar cried for help and one of our brothers took courage and decided to go out when he suddenly found Oumar in a pool of his own blood, and a little further, the desperate soldier. He alerted the village and the BIR command post which was near our neighborhood. The victim was rushed to the district hospital in Kolofata.”

The eyewitness adds that they, villagers, were determined to fish out the soldier but they couldn’t because he sought refuge with his military colleagues.

According to Oumar’s mother, “I hope my son is not going to die, but I want justice to be brought so that this soldier is severely punished.”

Although doctors say surgery has saved the young man’s life, it is difficult at the moment to give the exact assessment of his health.

Following the incident, inhabitants of Kolofata say they are no longer sure about collaborating with the defense and security forces against Boko Haram in the area.

“We fought Boko Haram alongside these soldiers, but today we are the victims. Personally, I made the decision as a member of the vigilante committee to resign, now that they come and slaughter us like animals,” said a member of the Kolofata vigilante committee.
It is hoped that trust may be restored between the population of Kolofata and the army if Oumar Abba gets out of the hospital bed.

Mimi Mefo Info