By Munya Charles Babila
Bamenda, August 15, 2026
At about 5:30pm on Saturday, the Veterinary roundabout in Bamenda went from busy evening traffic to a scene of screams, blood, and mourning in less than a minute.
Four members of one family that hails from Akum- Santa, were on a single bike, heading home. Minutes later, only three were left alive.
A Family Returning home together, Chi Fa ny, an uncle, was riding with his nieces and nephew, Fru Manda Faith, Fru Azeh Demetrius, and Sandrine Nadege.
According to eyewitnesses, another bike overtook and crossed in front of Chi Fany. He braked hard and stopped directly in front of a heavy-duty truck that was behind him.
“The bike fell. The family fell to the ground,” a nearby businessman told Cityweb. “As onlookers screamed, the driver of the truck tried to reverse back while Faith was still lying on the floor. The tyre smashed her head.” Fru Manda Faith died on the spot.
The roundabout froze. Vendors dropped their goods. Motorbike riders stopped. Parents covered children’s eyes and the traffic intensified
Family members arrived within minutes and broke down. The population cried and lament over the sad situation.
The Army Rescue Unit, headed by Senior Warrant Officer Taku Paul, rushed to the scene. They moved the crowd back and ferried Faith’s body from the road as wails filled the air.
The other three — Chi Fany, Demetrius, and Sandrine survived the crash. Their condition and where they are receiving treatment has not been confirmed at the time of filing this report.
For the people of Akum, the news traveled fast and many Akum residents in Bamenda arrived at the scene in tears. Four people left home together. One did not return.
Faith was riding with her uncle and siblings/cousins, like many families do daily on Bamenda’s roads. A split-second overtake. A sudden brake. A reverse that should never have happened.
Chi Fany cries out ” which other daughter am I going to give her father” Chi cried rolling on the ground while the population and bike riders try to console him
Business operators around Veterinary roundabout have long complained about congestion, reckless overtaking, and heavy trucks maneuvering in tight spaces. Saturday’s accident has reopened those calls for traffic control and safety sensitization at the junction.
Tonight, the Fru family is grieving. Chi Fany lost a niece while trying to protect all four of them. Demetrius and Sandrine lost a sister. Akum lost a daughter.
As Senior Warrant Officer Taku Paul’s team cleared the scene, residents stood in clusters, shaking their heads and asking the same question: How do we prevent the next family from being torn apart on this same road?
City Group (Cityweb and City FM Radio) extends deepest condolence to the Fru family of Akum. _
