Inhabitants of Mautu village situated along Buea/Kumba highway have been burying bodies following what they call “abusive killings” Sunday, January 10th, 2021.
Speaking to Mimi Mefo Info on phone Monday, January 11, 2021, an inhabitant of the village in anonymity says “The soldiers arrived the village at about 1:00pm. They surrounded the village in a way that even those who attempted fleeing to the bushes were shot. They killed nine people including one Mami Anna and her granddaughter Kildia Akum.”
Our informant recounts that men in military uniform arrived in the village on foot taking the villagers by surprise. “…no one imagined that they were coming. Usually when they come with their vehicles, we get the sounds and run but that was not the case”.
Questioned why they attacked Mautu village, villagers say they were in search of boys fighting for the restoration of Ambazonia.
“Ambazonia boys usually come and spend the day in Mautu village and only go to their camps at night. We are afraid to tell them not to come because they will think we are betrayals but at the same time, their actions are causing the death of innocent people, ” he added in total despair on how to escape the vicious circle of insecurity.
Witnesses in Mautu say Ambazonia boys were actually in the village when military men launched an attack Sunday, January 10th but quickly ran away leaving innocent civilians to be killed by the soldiers.
“The military has vowed to continue killing us for allowing Amba boys to live in the village”.
Nine people were killed and three others wounded. Three have been buried while six other bodies have been deposited in the mortuary.
This is the second time in less than six months that military men have attacked Mautu village.
Mbatho Ntan.
