Security Exigencies:

NW Governor Bans Bike Riding in 3 Sub-Divisions

Bikes have disappeared form the streets of Batibo, Widikum and Balikumbat

The Governor of the North West region, Lele Lafrique Adolphe has banned the circulation of motorbikes in three subdivisions of the region.

            The ban, contained in a regional order, No 25/RO/E/GNWR/SG/PAOD signed by Lele Lafrique Adolphe on March 8, 2018 is due to “the exigencies of security, preservation of peace and the maintenance of law and order”.

            “As from the date of signature of this present order, the circulation of motorbikes is hereby suspended till further notice within the following Subdivisions – Batibo Subdivision and Widikum Subdivision of Momo Division as well as Balikumbat Subdivision of Ngoketunjia Division” part of the order reads.

            It added that the measure shall not apply to administrative motorbikes, those engaged in security operations by the forces of law and order and those in possession of a special authorization to circulate.

            “During the period, motorbikes shall not be allowed to circulate both during the day and at night” the order reiterates.

            The incidence of separatist elements using motorbikes to stage guerilla-style attacks on security forces is believed to be behind the order.

            To some people the decision taken by the governor is laudable especially for Batibo Sub Division that has been the theatre of attacks and abductions with perpetrators supposedly using motor bikes.

            The administrative head of the Subdivision, Namata Joseph Diteng and the Regional Delegate for Social Affairs for the Northwest, Animbom Aaron Akiambom were abducted within two weeks and have not been seen since then. Some unidentified gunmen on motor bikes, on March 7, according to the Minister of Territorial Administration, Atanga Nji Paul attacked security forces deployed in Batibo Subdivision to combat separatist forces.

            But for some people, it is a case of their livelihood being taken away, especially for young people who shuttle people around for a living especially in Balikumbat and Widikum that have been relatively calm.

            Many a Bamenda population has expressed fears that the move might instead lead to an increase in crime wave and radicalization of the youths who have been kept busy by the motor bikes.

            The move comes to add to the numerous curfews that have been suffocating the NW population for some time now.