Separatists kill two police officers, seize rifles in Bamenda

Two officers of the Cameroon police service have been killed, and their rifles were reportedly taken away in an attack by Ambazonia separatist militants.

The incident occurred on the evening of Wednesday, August 7, 2024, while the officers were on duty at Commercial Avenue in Bamenda, the capital city of the restive North West Region.

The officers, whose identities MMI has yet to confirm, were guarding a financial institution when they were assaulted by the attackers.

According to reports, the assailants held the area hostage with thunderous gunfire for a few minutes before fleeing the scene.

The defense forces arrived shortly after the attackers had left.

The Ambazonia Defense Forces (ADF), a militant group of the separatist Ambazonia movement, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Ayaba Cho Lucas, leader of the ADF, stated that his men carried out the assault. “Our men have killed several enemy forces at Commercial Avenue. Two rifles were recovered,” Ayaba said in a statement shortly after the attack.

The two police elements killed were working at GMI6 police station. In the intervention that ensured after the incident, a bike rider was killed, and another sustained injuries.

Eyewitnesses recount that the attackers came on bikes, dressed like women. They wore what is referred to as kaba, which is a big gown mostly worn by women.

Public authorities have yet to issue a response to the incident.

©Mimi Mefo Info