Bamenda – Residents of the Mile 2 Junction area narrowly escaped tragedy today after an explosive device was discovered and neutralized in a tense incident that underscores the volatile security situation in Bamenda.
The device, reportedly planted by separatist fighters targeting Cameroon security forces notorious for extorting vehicles and road users at the checkpoint, was found around 10 a.m. A specialized bomb squad arrived nearly two hours later to safely detonate the explosive. Despite its complexity, the operation was successfully concluded without casualties.
This incident follows a deadly confrontation at the same location last Friday, November 29, where gunmen killed two police officers stationed at the checkpoint and seized their guns. Despite the attack, the Cameroon soldiers continued to man the checkpoint, reportedly due to the lucrative extortion schemes that checkpoints provide. Observers speculate that today’s device may have been a direct response to these practices.
Speaking after the operation, security personnel described the explosive as “dangerous and complicated,” a factor that delayed its detonation. Residents in the area expressed fear and frustration, lamenting the persistent insecurity that places them in the crossfire between separatist fighters and Cameroon’s military.
Civilians Trapped Between Two Fires
The Mile 2 Junction incident highlights the ongoing humanitarian and security crisis in Bamenda, where separatist fighters frequently launch attacks on government forces, while those same forces stand accused of targeting civilians with harassment and extortion.
“We live in constant fear. Who are we supposed to trust when both sides treat us as pawns in the war?” lamented one resident who witnessed the events unfold.
Authorities have since called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. However, trust in security forces is low due to widespread allegations of human rights abuses, making collaboration between civilians and authorities increasingly strained.
A Troubling Pattern of Violence
Today’s scare adds to a string of similar incidents in the region, where improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have become an unsettling hallmark of the conflict. Recent examples include:
- Nkwen Market Explosion: A bomb exploded at Nkwen market, killing one person and injuring several others.
- Bar Explosion: A makeshift device detonated in a crowded bar, killing two and injuring others.
- Youth Day Tragedy in Nkambe: An IED explosion during Youth Day celebrations caused multiple casualties.
The persistent violence and fear underscore the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing conflict in the Northwest and Southwest regions. For the residents of Bamenda, survival in the face of daily threats has become a way of life.
