Livanda, Limbe:

‘Amba’ Attacks Pit Bamileke ‘Settlers’ Against Locals

By Ticha Melanis in Limbe

Serial attacks on Livanda in the Limbe 1 subdivision by separatist fighters has sparked a ‘war’ between Bamileke settlers against the indigenes of the village locality. The people of Livanda, mostly farmers from Livanda quarter, Livanda North and Livanda Congo, on Wednesday rallied at the office of the DO of Limbe 1 to complain about what they consider as destruction carried out by the Bamileke community on their farm lands. 

               

The population of Livanda in front of the DO’s Office

The chief of Livanda, Motia Mathias Motia, explained that the farmers came to him and complained about the destructions and he went into the bushes and saw for himself that the allegations by his subjects were true.

                Chief Motia noted that since the advent of the Anglophone crisis, Livanda people, regardless of their origin have been attacked and brutalized by the amba boys, not until recently when they turned their focus from the indigenes to attacking only Bamileke people. He noted that the amba boys go to the extent of slaughtering their victims who refuse to heed their demands for money and valuables. 

                The Chief explained that the Bamileke had reported the situation to him and he promised to find a solution to the problem. But the recent complaints by the farmers about Bamileke destruction of their farmlands has only complicated and compounded the problem.

                “The farmers have been in their houses without going to their farm for two days on the orders of the Bamileke people, who threaten to hurt any farmers who violate the order for them not to go their farms for one month. This is unbearable for the farmers who depend on farming for their subsistence and survival. I wish the administration can do something about this so that the farmers can get compensation and for for peace to reign in Livanda,”Chief Motia said.

                The representative of the DO and some law enforcement officers brought the two conflicting parties together so they could look for a solution to their common enemy - the amba boys.

                The assistant DO begged both parties to be calm and for them to come up with constructive ideas that can bring a lasting solution to the problems they are facing. He urged them to be truthful as he gave them the opportunity to express themselves.

                A victim recounted that he was attacked by Bamileke people on his way back from the farm with his children.

“They seized all my tools and ordered me to show all the farm houses i know before they will set me free. They went into the bushes and attacked and brutalized any farmers that came their way, accusing them of protecting Amba boys. They destroyed people’s farm houses and the machines used in processing their farm produce,” explained the victim in a sad tone. 

                Other farmers narrated their stories and counted their losses due to the actions of the Bamileke people.

                As for the Bamilekes in Livanda, they explained that they took it upon themselves to bring justice and peace to the neighbourhood by destroying the farm houses of farmers in Livanda because they believe the houses serve as hideout for Amba boys.

                “We are aware that not only the Bamileke people have suffered in the hands of separatist fighters, but we got frustrated when we realized that only Bamileke people were being targeted and attacked recently. We could not sit and fold our arms,” explained a Bamileke resident in Livanda.

                “We initially went in search of the amba boys and when we could not find them we had to destroy the farm houses which might be serving as their hiding place,” further explained the Bamileke victim of amba atrocities in Livanda.

                Another Bamileke resident explained that they asked farmers not to go to their farms just in a bid to be able to search for and capture the real Amba boys in the bushes.

“There is nothing like a Bamileke versus farmers’ problem or anything of the sought in Livanda. We are living in harmony, if not for the amba boys who want to divide us,” the Bamileke resident said.

                Haven heard from both sides, the DO promised to look into the matter. He called on both sides to stand as one to fight against the terrorists in their community. 

                Meanwhile, the DO has asked the Livanda farmers to make a complaint with the gendarmerie stating all the destruction they have suffered and the estimated amount. 

                “Investigations will be carried out and if the Bamileke people are found guilty they will pay for the damages,” the DO assured the Livanda farmers.