Military reopens Bamenda-Bali road, says roadblocks causing economic loss

A special military operation instructed by the commander of the 5th Joint Military Region, Brigadier General Nka Valere has resulted in the removal of roadblocks in the locality of Bali, along the Bamenda-Bali stretch of road where separatist activities have heightened in the past weeks.

Brigadier General Nka Valere and other senior military officials have visited Bali where they reassured the local population to resume movements on the road and informed them that a specialized task force has been put in place to ensure the security of persons and goods along the stretch of road.

Presenting a report to the top military officials, Tuesday, August 17, the commander of the taskforce, Major Vincent De Paul said for over a week, the soldiers comprising of the police, gendarmerie and army carried out targeted and cleaning operations.

Areas thy reached include Pinyin, Bali, Chomba and other strategic locations during which hideouts of the terrorists were invaded and destroyed and six of them killed, with weapons, locally made explosives and other materials recuperated.

General Nka Valere stressed that the blocking of the Bamenda – Ekok Trans-African highway has taken a toll on the economy of the North West region and will only get worst if the population continues to adhere to the demands of the separatists.

“The road is open. Vehicles can drive through the road without any problem”, General Nka Valere said.

During the visit to Bali, a minute of silence was observed in memory of fallen soldiers and the population called upon to conquer fear and collaborate with the forces of law and order for a return of normalcy in the North West region.

Timfuchi Aaron