Population arrests, hands over suspected separatist fighters to military in Tombel

Two suspected separatist fighters have been captured in Tombel; South West region of Cameroon.

A witness has stated that “… the population ambushed and caught the two boys before informing elements of the rapid intervention batalion- BIR (an elite military force in Cameroon). The boys have been a torn in our flesh”.

The boys captured are said to be among four others accused of kidnapping a road engineer working along the road between Tombel town and Nyasoso village.

As military men bundled the suspected fighters into their vehicle
for detention, locals booed at the boys.

“Your mates are busy working in the farms and making a decent living. Instead you choose to terrorise locals” a woman from the crowd remarked.

Last week, some boys who identified themselves as separatists surrendered to authorities and were transported to the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration centre in Buea; capital of the South West.

Despite the collaboration between the military and the population, some locals in Tombel frown at military excesses that arrest and maltreat suspects with investigation.

Mbatho Ntan.