Gun battles and Kidnappings mark school re-opening in Bafut

Long gun battles that have become a regular occurrence in Bafut Sub division of Mezam Division continued yesterday school reopening day. 


From what we gathered the gun shots started within the early hours of yesterday forcing a majority of the population to stay indoors. Circulation was paralysed and further made worst by the blocking of roads with tress cut by the roadside. 


We cannot independently confirm who was involved in the gun battle but recent attacks around the area have been linked to Ambazonia Defense Forces ADF or other rival armed groups being armed groups fighting for the Independence of the two English speaking regions of Cameroon.
Most of the attacks which target Cameroon Military posts have met very resistance from military resulting in gun battles that have claimed hundreds of lives in the last two years.
Previous attacks around the area have resulted in the loss of lives, burning of state security posts and administrative offices. 


Located some 8km away from Bamenda, Bafut is along the Bamenda-Wum road mostly bushy providing a safe haven for the armed group from where they sporadically launch attacks in a typical guerilla warfare style. 


Just about 2km away from Njinteh Bafut where administrative offices are located, Reports from Agyati Bafut say the guns used did not sound like hunting guns which according to the Minister of Territorial Administration are being used by the armed groups. Worried over the sound of the guns and the time the shooting lasted; our sources say “I don’t think those people are using hunting guns. You can’t know the difference in the sounds.” 


Kidnappings of kids have also been reported around the area with a relative confirming “they just kidnapped my little cousin from the PSST Bafut this morning. They have given him a phone to call and all he was allowed to say is they have taken us and the seized the phone.” 


A message circulating on social media said to be from one Tabong Daniel Boarding Master of PSS Bafut also talks on the kidnapping. “Presbyterian Secondary School and Presbyterian Girls Secondary School were attacked and the principal and students of Presbyterian Girls Secondary School (PGSST) Bafut were kidnapped.” The message reads adding that “all the abducted students have been released! The person who is still under captivity is the principal Mr Ndue Derrick.” 


No one has taken responsibility of the attacks and the kidnappings.
The attack paralysed activities in the area all day thus preventing the effective resumption of schools.

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