By Charles Igwe
The Archbishop of Bamenda in Cameroon, Andrew Nkea, has strongly condemned the killing of ten civilians at a busy junction in Bamenda’s war-torn north west region. The attack occurred on July 16, with men dressed in military attire storming people’s houses and fatally shooting the victims at the junction. This incident followed the killing of five teenagers in the same neighborhood just two days earlier, allegedly by individuals suspected to be Cameroon military.
Archbishop Nkea expressed his anguish at the loss of innocent lives, emphasizing the need to stop such violence and allow people to live normal lives. He invoked the Biblical story of Cain and Abel, lamenting the continued history of brother killing brother. He led a memorial service for the victims, praying for their eternal rest and urging for peace and unity in the region.
The Cameroon military and the government have accused separatist fighters of carrying out the attack. The separatists have been in conflict with government forces since 2016, seeking the creation of a new nation named “Ambazonia.”
Various leaders, including separatist leader Capo Daniel and human rights lawyer Felix Agbor Balla, have condemned the attack and called for an end to violence against civilians. Traditional leaders in the region have also planned a solidarity march to denounce these acts of violence.
Archbishop Nkea emphasized that there is no justification for killing and urged for love and understanding to prevail over hatred and violence.
