Relative calm returns to Buea after Wednesday night’s ‘bomb’ blast

By Tata Mbunwe

Calm has reportedly returned to Buea’s busiest neighborhood, Molyko, after a blast on Wednesday night.

the explosion is said to have damaged cars, causing commotion at a popular drinking spot.

Buea is located in Cameroon’s restive South West region.

How it all happened!

The blast occurred near a popular motor garage opposite the Total fuel station located at the down end of Molyko that stretches towards the Mile 17 Motor Park.

The said spot is opposite Dream Lounge, a popular restaurant and drinking spot in Molyko.

Eye witnesses told MMI they “do not know the cause of the blast” but some suggested it might have been a “localy-made explosive dropped there by separatist fighters”.

“If the explosive was dropped by separatist fighters, it is possible they would have been targeting security officers who are usually around the busy fuel station to maintain security,” said a source.

Although no one was killed by the blast, reports say several persons sustained injuries – though, this could not be verified at press time.

Panic, fear after the blast

The explosion damaged the windscreens and parts of several cars which were parked around the garage, some of the vehicles were undergoing repairs.

According to a night watchman at the fuel station, the blast was so loud, accompanied by gunshots from surprised police officers who began firing into the air after the blast.

The watchman, who preferred anonymity, said he was helpless at the time and had to retreat for his safety. But no signs of separatist fighters had been seen before the explosion occurred, he added.

“I heard the sound of something dropping, and it was immediately followed by a loud explosion, I was confused and frightened, so I sped off before later coming around to see what actually happened,” said a taxi driver.

Many denizens of Buea say Wednesday night’s explosion was strange doubting whether it was done by separatist fighters who have hardly detonated explosives during their previous attacks in neighbourhoods around the town.

A mechanic at the garage said most of the vehicles affected had been carried away by their owners and just two damaged Toyota Rav 4 vehicles were still at seen this morning.

Police have opened investigations into the occurrence but, as at now, the cause of the blast is still unknown.

There is also calm in Buea and Molyko resumed it’s usual steam on Thursday morning.