Njinikom lockdown clocks one month as population suffocates

An indefinite lockdown in Njinikom subdivision in Boyo division has clocked one month without any hopes of any relaxation any time soon.

Separatist fighters imposed the lockdown forcing shops and businesses to close down as well as prohibited the circulation of motorbikes across the subdivision last month after gendemarie elements killed two separatist fighters in the area allegedly thanks to a tip off from the population.

The two fighters killed included a Nigerian mercenary and a native of the area. This angered the fighters to impose an indefinite lockdown, causing businesses and bikes to be grounded till date.

Locals from Baichi, Iso, Tinifoinbi and other areas are helpless, unable to access St Martin de Pores Hospital for health care. The sick and pregnant women are transported at times on stretchers to the hospital.

Njinikom, one of the hot zones of the conflict in Boyo has passed through untold suffering with locals who even make efforts to get provisions from Bamenda are taxed at Kikfuini before they can gain access into the subdivision.

According Nanain, a business woman in Njinikom who buys goods from Bamenda and sells them in Njinikom, the current lockdown is senseless. “They asked us to close our shops. Yet they will come around asking for support. Where shall we continue to have this money,” she asked.