The city of Maroua, in Cameroon’s Far North, became tense on March 4, after what was initially perceived as a possible attack by Boko Haram fighters ultimately turned out to be the isolated act of a soldier.
The incident occurred around 5 pm at a bank when a man identified as Bagnia William, a soldier serving with the 42nd Motorized Infantry Battalion (42nd BIM) and attached to RMIA 4, entered the bank premises.
He was reportedly wearing an improvised explosive belt and carrying a browning automatic pistol. In a visibly agitated state, he threatened bank staff, sowing fear among employees and customers present.
Alerted about what was happening, defense and security forces intervened swiftly, disarmed him before taking him to the SEMIL unit in Maroua for investigations.
However, the case took an even more dramatic turn at SEMIL. According to the same sources, the suspect attempted to take his own life by injuring himself with a bottle.
He was immediately taken into care and evacuated to the Maroua Military Hospital, where he is currently receiving appropriate medical attention.
While his condition is now said to be stable, many grey areas remain regarding the exact motivations for his act.
An investigation has been opened to establish the precise circumstances of this incident, which for several hours reignited fears of a terrorist attack in the regional capital of the Far North.
