A pall of grief hangs over Bambui, a town on the outskirts of Bamenda in Cameroon’s embattled North-West Region, following a deadly attack by gunmen on a drinking spot Tuesday evening.
Gunmen suspected to be separatists affiliated with the Ambazonia movement stormed the establishment, opening fire in what witnesses described as a “shooting spree.” Local media reports, citing eyewitnesses, claim five people were killed, including three civilians and two military personnel who were reportedly in plainclothes.
One of the victims is Mbisah Pascal, the owner of Cross Road snack bar where the carnage took place. He has run this business for around three decades and is much loved by the community. Mr. Mbisah was also the proprietor of a student hostel known as Pagoda Square, which has housed many students of Comprehensive High School Bambui over the years.
Mbisah Pascal infront of his business.
The identities of the other victims have not yet been released.
According to reports from the scene, a crowd of distraught residents gathered shortly after the shooting, their cries echoing through the streets.
“This is my father!” wailed a woman, her voice thick with grief, as she identified one of the victims.
Mbisah Pascal was needlessly killed.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but locals point the finger at separatist fighters. “They were Amba boys,” a resident told MMI, using a common term for the Ambazonia fighters.
One wounded victim was rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment and he later succumbed to his injuries.
Reports of gunfire also emerged from other parts of Bamenda, including the Mulang neighbourhood, the food market, and the Ntarinkon area.
As of this report, there has been no official response from the Cameroonian government regarding the shooting.
