Belo-Boyo
Division NW region Friday April 13 Belo town is lifeless. The signals of a
lifeless city started from Baingo the last community to enter a town that
hitherto bubbles everyday with economic activities.
As
I cross a bridge and take the hill heading to the city center from a distance I
can spot a road barricade. No idea of what is ahead the entire public transport
vehicle i was in with other passengers is death silent as we claim the hill
passing several houses with doors close at 11:30am.
As
the car arrive the barricade it is a burnt commercial motorbike and wooden
benches. As I take up my camera for a picture a driver warns please don’t do it
else we will be in trouble if these people see us. As I ask which people he
says the army.
Passing
the barricade here is below town. No soya, no meat, n traditional dress making
store no no no no and no human being worst still no fowl, dog or even a stray
goat. All shops are locked on both sides of the road. Not fewer than three
burnt motorcycles can be spotted around the commercial center. Several people
are to alight in Belo unfortunately the driver will not give the opportunity at
the right place at that particular moment. He will have to drive pass the
entire town before stopping for anyone to alight.
There
is no one to talk to. You wouldn’t dare try to go into the quarter if you know
no one here because you will be taken for those who come to cause havoc; the
driver warns.
At
the Baingeh market the first place to spot a gathering of more than ten after Belo
town there is some buying and selling but everyone is watching who they talk
to. They believe there is an unprecedented presence of plain cloth military
officers around monitoring every conversation. I have to present myself with
supporting identification before any will say a word to me.
Before
my arrival I am told there was a heavy gun battle in the early hours of the
morning.
The
community has been witness to strange happenings. They will wake up from bed to
see the remains of a young man shot severally on the chest lying in their
community. Someone tells me it happens like that in many other communities
around Belo these days. They have witnessed how a young man is pulled from a
crowd in a funeral a fired believed to be part of an armed group present in the
area. “If you enter the quarters, that is when you will know what we are going
through my brother.” A man who will not speak further will tell me almost in
tears.
“If
you want to really see what has happened here go to Anyajua or to Sowi. It is
very sad sir.” A young man in his 20s who has been away from his home in Ayanjua
for four days tells me adding “I don’t know if on return I will see my small
house still standing. I have sent my wife to Bamenda and my two children. Like
me many young men have sent their wives and children away. Only very few old
people are there. Houses have been burnt including even a storey building with
businesses.” He says
Looking at Wombong from Baingeh I can see more
life but backwards towards Belo, seeing even a stray animal which is a common
occurrence is rare.
Since
Wednesday April 4, the entire Belo Subdivision has not known peace since the
military decided to confront head on the growing presence of gunmen in the
area. Kidnappings had become the other of the day with open threats to persons
who dare inform security of their location, presence or activities.
Both
economic and administrative or social activities in the area have been halted.
Reports have it that other areas in Boyo Division are also becoming gun battle grounds with random attacks reported daily
Top Government and Military functionaries in Army Chief of staff have visited the concern sites.