Security forces make massive arrests in Buea’s outskirts

Reports say security forces have carried out massive arrests in Bomaka, a precinct in the outskirts of Buea, capital of Cameroon’s restive South West Region.

A source tells MMI that “more than 200 youths have been arrested and as at 2pm, the arrests are ongoing.”

“Some of the boys arrested are identifying themselves at the Mile 18 petrol station with a show of an ID card,” the source adds.

Another confirms the situation. “It’s one of the most massive arrests ever in Bomaka since the onset of the crises.”

“They searched houses. They knocked our gate violently. By the time I left the room to find out what was the matter, they had moved to another neighbour,” a resident of the area says.

Such raids are not uncommon in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions that have been the scene of an almost four-year long war.

While some speculate today’s mass arrests might have been linked to the visit of a state official to the region, others believe it is one of several routine checks carried out by the forces of law and order.

Image: archives

Mimi Mefo Info