By Bakah Derick
In a brazen act of violence, bandits on the evening of Friday 8 December 2023 attacked the home of the General Manager of the North West Cooperative Association (NWCA) Ltd. The assailants who ransacked the home Timothy Waindim Ntam in Mkwase Quarter, Nkwen in Bamenda III Subdivision made off with valuable items, including a TV and money.
Visiting the home on Saturday morning, we met a family shaken and terrified. We were informed that the General Manager was not present. There was uneasy calm at the time of our visit as everyone still looked frightened.
“They jumped over the fence, held the security guard before coming into the house to meet us. They were carrying guns and rather to do anything if we refused to collaborate with them…. They collected money, some items and the big TV in the sitting room. They even threatened to burn the house.” One of the house occupants narrated.
When we contacted the Timothy Waindim via a messaging application, he expressed deep shock and dismay at the brazen act of violence. He conveyed his profound concern for the safety and well-being of his family and the wider community, emphasizing the urgent need for increased security measures in the region considering the over seven year-old armed conflict.
The General Manager condemned the perpetrators' actions as a cowardly assault on the fundamental rights of his family and security of residents in the area. Despite the trauma inflicted on his family, he remained resolute in his commitment to continue his work as the general manager while hoping for a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict.
The incident took place in a region that has been plagued by armed conflict for over seven years, with many leaders and their families being targeted by armed groups. Timothy Waindim, who has been an outspoken on the need for an end to the conflict, has long been a thorn in the side of those promoting the conflict thus becoming a target like many other local leaders.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about the safety and security of those living in the conflict-ridden North West region.
In the meantime, Timothy Waindim and his family are left to pick up the pieces and try to rebuild their lives in the wake of this terrifying ordeal. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by those living in areas affected by armed conflict and the urgent need for greater protection and support for those at risk.
In the face of this harrowing ordeal, Timothy Waindim has called for unity and solidarity within the community, urging residents to stand together in the pursuit of peace and security. He expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from friends, colleagues, and local authorities, emphasizing the resilience and determination of the community to overcome such challenges.
Ultimately, the General Manager's reaction underscored his unwavering dedication to promoting peace and stability in the region, despite the grave threats posed by the ongoing armed conflict.