Anglophone Conflict:

Nigerians in B’da Lament Heavy Losses 

By Philo Happi in Bamenda

Prince Otonbong Ituen

Members of the Nigerian community in the restive Northwest Region have lamented losses recorded as a result of the bomb explosion that razed nine shops along the Commercial Avenue and leaving one soldier dead and several others severely injured.

                In a media outing on 10 March 2020, the president of the Nigerian Union, Prince Otonbong Ituen, decried the losses of his people suffered as a result of the unfortunate incident on Women’s Day.

                “The losses recorded by members of our union are enormous. Millions in hard-earned money and merchandize vanished within a short period of time. In fact, the Nigerian community in Bamenda was the hardest hit by the incident which has rendered our stay very uncomfortable,” Otonbong said, reminding the perpetrators of the wicked act of the strong bilateral ties that exist between Cameroon and Nigeria since the 1960s.

                “I want to use this forum to plead and call on the authorities of Cameroon to use every diplomatic measure to ensure a lasting solution to the crisis without which we may continue to suffer,” Otonbong appealed, also lamenting the adverse effects of the weekly ghost towns and lockdowns that have made some of them to be unable to adequately feed their families.

                Pointing out that gun battles will not bring any solution to the political crisis but more destruction and loss of lives, Otonbong, seized the opportunity to appeal to separatist fighters and government forces to see the need to lay down their arms and embrace peace.

                “I pray our President and his counterpart use diplomatic measures to bring peace to Cameroon…to come to the rescue of those affected by the explosion otherwise their lives will be meaningless,” the Union President prayed, while, urging both governments to ensure their security is guaranteed in the crisis regions.

                He equally decried the incessant extortion of money from the multiple security checkpoints erected along the Ekok highway that prevents them from their usual business activities. He revealed that at least three Nigerians shave been killed as a result of the crisis and about 20% members in Bamenda forced to relocate to other towns in the country with some returning to Nigeria.