Bamenda, a city known for its bustling activity, woke up to an uneasy calm this Thursday after two police officers were killed at Commercial Avenue last evening.
The streets, usually alive with the hum of motorbikes, took an eerie silence, with bike riders finding themselves the apparent targets of heightened security measures.
Reports indicate that the attackers, who carried out the brutal crime, fled the scene on motorbikes, triggering suspicion and hostility towards bike riders in the city.
“If you see anyone riding a bike today, just know he is a responsible man, all those making trouble have run away,” said Pa Chi, a bike rider.
This morning, bike riders faced significant challenges as they lived in a tense environment.
“I think the fact that yesterday’s attackers used bikes to carry out their crime explains why the forces have been hostile towards us,” said Andrew, another rider.
He recounted how security forces chased them away from popular gathering spots like City Chemist Roundabout and Nchuoboh.
“My colleagues have been chased away from public places where we used to stand and wait for passengers,” he added.
The crackdown on bike riders has left many residents stranded, unable to find transport in a city that heavily relies on motorbikes for quick and affordable movement.
Among them is 62-year-old Dorothy, who found herself stranded at Nchuoboh after fleeing the scene in panic.
“I am coming from the hospital where I was for my routine checks. When everyone was running, I found myself at Nchuoboh, and since then, I have been looking for a means to get home,” she said, looking distressed.
Bamenda has been stressed by recurrent gun shootings, killings, kidnappings and explosive attacks since the start of this year.
Yesterday’s killing of police officers follows a recent wave of arson attacks on taxis by separatists and explosive attacks on civilians and military targets.
While residents struggled to resume normal life, many markets and shops remained largely closed this Thursday, with many business owners too fearful to open their doors following Wednesday’s shooting.
The streets, while not deserted, carried an air of apprehension, as residents remained on edge, unsure of what might happen next.
“We don’t know why we are running, but at the sight of any police or military vehicle approaching, we just run away,” shared another bike rider.
