Government Forces Kill Man In Front of Wife and Children in Bafut

Suh John, known locally as Jean Makun, was killed by government forces in front of his family in Mankankong, Bafut. Loved for his kindness and dedication to his community, his death has led to widespread demands for justice and accountability.

The community of Mankankong in Bafut is mourning the death of Suh John, popularly known as Jean Makun. A kind-hearted entrepreneur and family man, Makun was shot dead by government forces in an incident that has left many questioning the motives behind his killing.

“He was a peaceful man who would never harm anyone,” said a close family member who witnessed the killing and requested anonymity. “His death has left a void, and we’re still trying to come to terms with the loss.”

The Events of the Day

On the day of the incident, military personnel approached Makun’s home and knocked on the door. According to a community member who witnessed the event, the soldiers appeared tense but were welcomed inside.

“Jean, trying to diffuse the situation, offered them a drink,” a community member recounted. “They demanded money from him. Unaware of their true motives, Jean provided the money.”

Despite his cooperation, the soldiers ordered Makun’s wife to lock the doors behind them as they led him outside. His family, desperate and afraid, pleaded with the soldiers not to take him away. Their pleas were ignored.

“Not up to a moment later, gunshots pierced the air, and Jean Makun lay lifeless,” the witness said.

Unanswered Questions About Military Actions

Family members say that the soldiers made it clear they were acting on orders. Before leaving the area, they reportedly told nearby market sellers that they had been “sent by someone” to kill Makun.

“The military claimed they were sent by someone to carry out the killing, but the motive remains unclear,” a family member said.

The lack of clarity around who ordered the killing — and why — has led to widespread outrage and calls for an independent investigation.

A Pillar of the Community

Makun’s transformation from a modest trader to a reputable business owner served as a source of inspiration in Mankankong. Starting by selling Maggi cubes and crayfish, he went on to build a thriving snack bar that also served as a place of refuge for local youths and community members in need.

“His snack bar provided food for stranded youths, and he donated to those in need,” a family member shared. “He contributed significantly to the development of Mankankong.”

Beyond his business endeavours, Makun was a devoted husband and father of three. He was also known for his unwavering generosity and community spirit.

Cameroonians React

Since the killing, social media has been flooded with tributes, anger, and demands for justice from those who knew Makun personally and from the broader public.

Ngwa Elvis, reflected on Jean’s entrepreneurial journey.
“Grand Johny RIP. It has not been easy to some of us who saw how you started your business career. I’m still wondering what crime you committed to be subjected to this kind of exit. Go well big.”

Mforsi Ngwa mourned his loss and also called for spiritual justice.

“A very humble boy, an industrious young man killed for no reason. Don’t rest in peace; hunt your killers one by one. For the family you left behind, I pray the good Lord protects them. Safe thee well, my brother.”

Ebaneck Mualimu Abuh expressed disbelief at the cruelty witnessed.
“I wonder the kind of world we are living in — a man is killed in the presence of his wife and children. We are living in a cursed world.”

For Fuh Collins Yongsi, the pain was deeply personal.
“Seeing my uncle in his own blood, chai God 😭😭😭 may you rest in peace, Uncle. May you hunt your killers 😭😭😭.”

Wa Lydia Mbong also voiced frustration at the lack of international and domestic response.

“No protest will take place from the so-called women’s task whatever. No NGO will condemn it. But I’m happy because after war comes judgement. Their boss shall explain when the time comes, and it won’t be long.”

Not An Isolated Case

Makun’s killing is not an isolated case. Recently, numerous reports have documented similar extrajudicial killings by government forces in the Anglophone regions. The case of Pinyin remains fresh, where 6 unarmed civilians were killed by the military and two others abducted. Other incidents, such as the Ngarbuh massacre in 2020, where soldiers killed at least 21 civilians, including children, and the killing of civilians in Bali Nyonga in 2021 during military operations, have drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organisations. These patterns of violence continue to fuel anger and deepen mistrust between civilians and the state.

Demands for Justice

Meanwhile, the killing has galvanised the community, with many calling for international attention and justice for Makun’s family.

“By sharing Jean’s story, we give a voice to the voiceless,” a family member said. “We must ensure that his memory lives on and that those responsible for his death are brought to justice.”

Mankankong’s mourning is further accompanied by a resounding call for accountability, urging the world to not overlook the violence that took the life of one of its most prominent figures.

Mimi Mefo Info