By Njah Maurine
Residents of some neighborhoods in Bamenda are still to come to terms with a significant military operation on September 8, 2024 that lead to the arrest of hundred of people across several neighborhoods.
The early dawn raid by security forces sealed all entrances and exits to Nitop, Noble Man, Mbengwi Road, and Poultry Street.
The security lockdown and raid early Sunday morning stoped several people from attending church services and masses. Those found on the streets were picked up and bundled into military and police trucks. Other units proceeded into the neighbourhood carrying out thorough search of properties. Many were also arrested from boys to men, girls to women the young to the old.
The arrested were taken to police stations in different parts of Bamenda. Many reported to City Web that that they paid bail fees of 10,000 FRS and more to obtain their freedom. Others said they were released without paying any money.
“I was released after several hours. They only asked me to identify myself, profession and where I live” a teacher who was arrested on her way to church said.
In addition to the arrests, several motorcycles were confiscated, with owners instructed to return later for their retrieval.
The sudden military action disrupted the plans of many local Christians who intended to attend church services and holy mass that morning.
Access to the road behind the regional hospital mortuary was blocked by members of the mobile intervention unit of the police, further complicating transportation in the area.
Security officials in the region have been tight lipped ajout the operation, leaving residents in a state of uncertainty and concern. Many residents fear such raid will continue into other neighborhoods of the town.
The operation according to a police source, targeted areas of the town where separatist hide and operate with impunity. The raid was to clear these neighborhoods and prevent separatist attacks during this back to school period the source added.
The incident has raised questions about security measures and the treatment of civilians, as the community grapples with the implications of such a large-scale operation.
Others have welcome the raid, saying it guarantees safety of the general public. “I feel more secure with such raids. The security forces can only intimidate and extort a few francs but these boys will ask for hundred of thousands” a resident of Back travellers who opted for anonymity said in pidgin English
its still not clear how many people are still under detention following the raid. But a majority of those arrested were released later on Sunday.
