Two young men, Desmond Nyinying and Marcel Awonsang, were shot and killed by Ambazonia separatist fighters on Thursday, June 27th, 2024, in the Kedjom Ketinguh village, also known as Small Babanki, in the North West Region.
Eyewitnesses at the Chuhbar (carrefour) reported seeing the separatists, led by Ngeh Cyprian (aka General The Only Bro) who originates from the neighbouring village of Bamessing, approach Desmond and Marcel, who had just arrived on a motorbike. The gunmen allegedly shot Desmond at close range in the legs. He was taken to hospital. But Ngeh Cyprian later decided to go there, take him out back to Chuhbar where he shot him in the chest and killed him.
According to witnesses, the separatists attempted to justify the killings by claiming Desmond’s motorbike had been purchased for him by the military. “He [the separatist fighter] said the military bought the bike for Desmond,” recounted one witness. However, this narrative was challenged by bystanders who confirmed Desmond’s brother was the true owner. “We all know that’s not true,” another witness said. “Everyone here knows Desmond’s brother bought the motorbike.” The separatists then shifted their accusation to Marcel, claiming he provided false information about the bike’s origin. He was subsequently shot as well.
“When others contradicted this claim, explaining that Desmond’s brother had bought the bike, the fighter changed his story,” another eyewitness recounted. “He then accused Marcel of providing false information about the bike’s origin before shooting him as well.”
A Different Picture
However, some villagers speaking to MMI on condition of anonymity painted a different picture. They allege the killings were a brutal display of possessiveness. They claim the separatist fighter had previously taken Desmond’s girlfriend and warned him to stay away. “It’s clear that the allegations were a cover-up,” one local told MMI. “The fighter had taken over Desmond’s girlfriend and warned him to stay away. With his new bike, Desmond probably seemed like a threat.”
Seeing Desmond with a new motorbike, they believe, fueled the attacker’s insecurity and ultimately led to the murders. “Desmond just got this new bike,” another villager confided. “We believe that’s what made [the separatist fighter] so jealous.”
Ngeh Cyprian has a history of violence and are said to be largely ostracized by their own community. They previously sought refuge in Kedjom Ketinguh after the Kwifon, (the village’s traditional council or regulatory secret society), expelled them for assaulting innocent civilians, including a school headteacher.
The circumstances surrounding their return to Kedjom remain unclear. However, their renewed presence and violent actions are sure to cause significant distress within the already devastated community.
This incident comes amidst growing tensions in the region. Recently, HRH Richard Muntong III, the Fon of Bamessing, issued a statement denouncing the imposition of compulsory levies on residents by Ambazonia separatists.
