Cameroon, Far North – In the early hours of January 13, 2025, just past midnight, Boko Haram militants launched a ruthless attack on the village of Gancé, located in the Kolofata district of Mayo Sava, Cameroon. The heavily armed assailants descended upon the community, sowing terror among its residents and leaving destruction in their wake.
With no apparent concern for the proximity of a nearby military base, the attackers executed a well-coordinated raid. They made off with approximately 135 cattle belonging to several villagers, including Kelani Adoum Bozoum and Mal Zarami. The militants also ransacked homes, looted grain stores, and seized personal belongings, deepening the despair of already vulnerable families.
This brazen act of violence underscores the ongoing threat of terrorism in the region and the inability of defense forces to effectively deter such attacks. The people of Gancé, already grappling with insecurity, now face heightened fears of further assaults.
Eyewitnesses report that the incursion left the community reeling, with many questioning the absence of timely intervention by local defense forces. The audacity and scale of the attack have renewed concerns about the escalating presence of Boko Haram in Mayo Sava, exacerbating the plight of residents who struggle daily with the shadow of violence.
Bachirou Elhadj BDO, a prominent local figure, stressed the critical need for immediate action, stating, “The urgency to reinforce security and civilian protection is becoming more pressing.”
As Gancé’s villagers mourn their losses and attempt to rebuild, this incident is a grim reminder of the pervasive insecurity gripping the region. Calls for stronger security measures and the safeguarding of civilian lives grow louder, as the community confronts an uncertain future amidst the ongoing threat of extremist violence.
