Anglophone Unrests:

Amba Vigers enter Kumba, Attack SDO’s Residence, Gendarme Post

-Gun Battles leave two dead, several injured 

By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba

The population of Kumba, chief town of Meme Division now lives in perpetual fear and panic following the relocation of the ‘Ambazonia Tigers’ to Kumba. Throughout the week, there has been heavy gun battle in different neighborhoods in Kumba between the forces loyal to the separatist movement fighting for the independence of the ghost ‘Federal Republic of Ambazonia’ and government forces.

                On the night of Tuesday February 6 breaking Wednesday February 7, 2018, there were sporadic gun shots throughout in different points. The first shots were heard around the government residential area where the SDO’s residence was attacked by the ‘Ambazonia Tigers’ for the second time.

                Reports have it that after the unsuccessful attack at the SDO’s residence the ‘Ambazonia Odeshi’ fighters then attacked the National Gendarmerie brigade at Buea road kumba. Residents around the Buea Road stretch confirmed to this reporter that the gun exchange lasted close to three hours.

                Early Wednesday morning, two corpses alleged to be that of the ‘Ambazonia soldiers’ were discovered few meters after the Gendarmerie brigade, around Eta College in a neighborhood called Sonanfang. One of the corpses was found with black uniform and some badges attached to it alleged to be that of the ‘Ambazonia’ flag. 

                The other corpse we gathered from residents was that of a young man in his early twenties who is belief to have been shot dead minutes after alighting from a motor bike in the course of the gun exchange.  It is said the young man is a resident of the neighborhood who was returning home at the time of the gun battle.

Controversy surrounds number of casualty

                A lot of controversy has surrounded the number of casualties recorded in the Kumba gun battle.  While unconfirmed reports say eight Gendarmes were shot dead by the Ambazonia fighters and quickly ferried away by their colleagues, others say it was only the two Ambazonia fighters who were shot dead.  Another bone of contention centers on the actually identity of those killed.  Believers of the potency of ‘Odeshi’ say no Ambazonia soldier was killed.  Rumours making the rounds from this group of persons alleged that the Gendarmes might have presented but corpses of different persons.

Military mount road blocks, search homes

                On the early hours of Wednesday after the nocturnal attack, a resident of the neighborhood told this reporter through on conditions on anonymity that circulation around the entrance to Sonanfang, the neighborhood behind the Gendamerie brigade where the two corpses were discovered was completely blocked by security officers.  Our source indicated that the road block lasted for close to an hour while houses around the area were thoroughly search by the soldiers leaving so many people scared of what may happen next.

                As a result of the heavy military presence in the area, our source revealed to us that many residents of the neighborhood before nightfall vacated their homes for other quarters. She added for safety reasons those who had mustered courage to stay back were all advice to sleep on the floors to avoid stray bullets from touching them.