By Kate Bih and David Atangana
Cameroon’s presidential couple has sent a consoling message to families of victims of the Nacho Massacre in Bamenda, North West region of the country.
The message was delivered Thursday, July 27, 2023, at the scene of the incident in an event to lay a wreath in honor of all those killed.
Paul Biya comforts Nacho Massacre victims two weeks after.
MMI; July 2023
North West governor Adolf Lele L’Afrique laid the wreath on behalf of the president of the Republic of Cameroon Paul Biya and the first lady Chantal Biya.
North West governor Adolf Lele L’Afrique reads condolence message on behalf of President Paul Biya
MMI; July 2023
Adolf Lele L’Afrique honours Nacho massacre victims on behalf of President Paul Biya and Chantal Biya
MMI; July 2023
It was also followed by a symbolic lighting of candles.
The wreath carried a message consoling the affected families.
“H.E Paul Biya and spouse express their heartfelt condolences to the Nacho victims,” the message reads
In addition, the North West governor representing the president who is currently out of the country said, “The head of state has reiterated his stance on ensuring that peace returns to the North West region.”
Candles being lit in hour of Nacho Massacre victims
MMI; July 2023
Relatives of those who died during the Nacho Massacre still in shock
MMI; July 2023
The wreath laying was attended by the clergy and some families of the victims who have hitherto remained inconsolable since the macabre incident.
“The wounds and pains created in our hearts by this incident will take long to heal,” lamented the mother of Simplice who was killed alongside his wife living behind three children.
It should be recalled that on Sunday, July 16, 2023, armed Separatist Ambazonia fighters killed at least ten civilians in execution-style at Nacho junction in Bamenda.
Some of them have been buried while others are still in the mortuary after the government instituted a suspension for reasons not made public.
Worthy of note is the fact that the Archbishop of Bamenda, Andrew Nkea visited the scene a day after the massacre and lit candles while praying for the souls of the departed.
A gathering was also organized on Wednesday, July 26 in Baffoussam in the West Region to honour those killed — majority of whom the majority were from the West.
Exclusive images by MMI’s Kate Bih
