By Kate Bih
The Member of Parliament for Menchum North, Kum John Nji, has called for vigilance after surviving an armed attack by suspected Ambazonia separatists.
Mr Nji was attacked alongside the Mayor of Zoah, Njah Titus Ndongkeh, on May 21, just one day after National Day celebrations, as they were returning to Wum, the Divisional headquarters of Menchum.
The attack took place between Kumfutu and Weh. No casualties were reported from the attack, despite significant damage caused by bullets to the vehicles.
“The vehicle that was bringing us back from Zoah was attacked between Kumfutu and Weh. By God’s grace, none of us was hurt, but there was material damage,” said Kum John Nji, the Parliamentarian for Menchum North.
The attack came just one day after separatists killed the Mayor of Belo and two others who were on their way to celebrate National Day in Belo. The attack was condemned for targeting unarmed civilians, an act human rights organizations say totally violates international humanitarian law.
After surviving the assassination attack, the Parliamentarian for Menchum North expressed distress but also highlighted the success of the National Day celebrations, noting the remarkable turnout at the ceremonial ground.
He urged the local population to remain vigilant and to cooperate with law enforcement authorities.
“The message I have for the population is that we need to be vigilant. We need to cooperate with the forces of law and order. We need peace,” Nji emphasized.
“We cannot pretend that in this atmosphere we can carry out reasonable development in our area.”
This latest attack has further heightened the already tense atmosphere in Menchum North.
Authorities are investigating the incident, and additional security measures are expected to be implemented to ensure the safety of local officials and residents.
