Three Police Officers Killed in Separatist Attack in Buea

At least three officers of the Cameroon police service were killed in an attack allegedly carried out by armed militants of the Ambazonia Separatist movement on Saturday, August 24, 2024, in Buea, the capital of the crisis-hit South West region.

The incident took place while the officers were on duty at a security post in Bwitingi Market, along the road to Muea. According to MMI’s sources, three officers were fatally shot, while two others reportedly managed to escape.

The slain officers have been identified as Second Grade Police Constable Laoumanga from Buea’s Second District Police Station, Second Grade Police Constable Tabe from the Third District, and First Grade Police Constable Beng from the Central Police Station.

It remains unclear whether the assailants suffered any casualties during the exchange of fire.

The Mountain Lions, an armed separatist militia active in the Fako Division of the South West region, claimed responsibility for the attack. In a viral video released shortly afterward, the group displayed weapons allegedly seized from the slain officers.

“Good morning, Ambazonia brothers and all fighters. Here is the result of an operation carried out by Mountain Lions at Central Market Molyko, in Buea,” a male voice said in the video, presenting three rifles.

Public authorities have yet to make a statement following the attack.

In recent weeks, Ambazonia separatist fighters have intensified their attacks on police officers across the troubled Anglophone regions. Just weeks ago, two officers were ambushed and killed while guarding a bank in Bamenda, and another senior police officer was killed in Kumbo, Bui Division, by Separatist fighters.

Kate Bih contributed to this report.

Mimi Mefo Info