Municipal Councillor of Zhoa Fatally Shot in Ambush

Matthias Che Bang, a municipal councillor of Zhoa, was killed in a gun attack early Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

He was onboard a commercial motorcycle when the attack occurred, leaving the rider wounded.

According to eyewitness accounts, the incident took place between Ngoh Forest and Befang in the Menchum division of the crisis-stricken North West region.

Unidentified armed men had “blocked the road, seizing phones, money, and other valuables from people.”

Vehicles and motorcycles heading to Bamenda were all sent back to Wum.

It is unclear whether the municipal councillor killed was targeted or not.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, armed separatist militias are active in the area.

This incident comes just a few weeks after the Mayor of Zhoa and Member of Parliament for Menchum North survived a deadly attack by armed separatist Ambazonia fighters shortly after participating in May 20 celebrations.

Additionally, on May 20, as the nation was commemorating its national day, the Mayor of Belo, Ngong Innocent, and an inspector of basic education, Aghi Aaron Ngong, were shot dead.

Last weekend, the Divisional Delegate for Sports and Physical Education for Donga Mantung, Derick Fonye was ambushed and killed by Ambazonia separatists.

This adds to the growing pattern of attacks on civilians of high standing within the Anglophone regions, fueling speculation that the Ambazonia quest for independence is being used to mask targeted contract killings.

Mimi Mefo Info