Freed journalist, Mokum Thomas recounts ordeal

Mokum Thomas; a journalist working with Ndefcam radio in Bamenda in the North West region of Cameroon is heading for eyes consultation today Monday August 17th 2020 hours after his release from the gendarmerie detention cell in Bambili in the North West of Cameroon.

Speaking to Mimi Mefo Info on phone this morning, Mokum Thomas says “Following the beating and molestation, am not able to see light with my eyes. Am feeling a lot of pains”.

Earlier on Sunday August 16th, the journalist underwent a head scan in a hospital. “When I was arrested, elements of the gendarmerie beat me seriously hitting my head on the floor with their boots. I have a wound on my head and I fear my skull and brain can be affected” He recounted.

Released Sunday August 16th, the journalist says spending a night in detention was like hell for him.

On why he was arrested, he says “I went to Small Babanki village in Tubah sub division for the burial of my aunt on Friday the 14th of August. After that, we had a family meeting throughout the night. So at about 12:30 am Saturday 15th, I was in a local restaurant to eat when elements of the gendarmerie arrived. I had my microphone and all my identification documents as a journalist. They accused me of coming to Small Babanki village to cover the activities of separatist fighters”.

The molestation of journalists practicing in the North west by forces of law and order is frequent. Few months ago, another jouenalist Jean Marie Ngong Song was rough handled by military men around the university of Bamenda.

Mimi Mefo Info.