Gov. Okalia hails K’ba for security awareness

By Sirri Ntonifor Tangwe in Kumba

Governor Okalia at the Kumba Main market, accompanied by the Government
Delegate to the Kumba City Council and the President of the K'ba Main Market

As a show of force in the combat against the dreaded Islamist sect, Boko Haram, the governor of the South-West Region, Bernard Okalia Bilai, has paid a working visit to Kumba, Meme Division, to ascertain whether security measures prescribed are being enforced. Describing Kumba as the pulsing centre of a region which shares borders with many of Cameroon’s neighbours, Mr. Okalia declared himself satisfied after patrolling the markets and parks of the city. He was accompanied by the Meme SDO, the Government Delegate to the Kumba City Council and mayors in Meme Division.
    Starting from the Kumba Main Market, the impressive motorcade had the mouths of Kumba denizens falling ajar as the Governor and his entourage made their way to the Mile 1 Motor Park and Fiango market. With the sun overhead that Saturday September 12th, police officers were observed performing Identity Card checks and using metal detectors to screen people entering the market.

    Although there have been occasional police raids in the markets to round up persons without ID cards, the use of metal detectors in the markets is, in this reporter’s knowledge and experience, a first. It is to be hoped that it is not just a hoax to impress the authorities, but a measure to be maintained over time.
     At the Mile 1 motor park, Governor Okalia praised the workers for their attention to security details. He encouraged them to have the well-being of the entire population in mind as they do their own part in fighting against Boko Haram. He also called on the entire Meme population to remain alert because ‘danger is in the air’.
    Before returning to Buea, the Governor visited a strategic area in Mambanda in the Kumba III municipality. Dropping hints as to the relevance of the place, he could be heard congratulating the Kumba III mayor, John Kona Makia, on his good fortune in becoming the chosen host of the Kumba HTTTC permanent site.