Separatists hijack population to commemorate October 1
Ambazonia separatist fighters in Bamenda II made the population of Akumlam and its surroundings commemorate October 1. The day former British Southern Cameroons gained independence. Inhabitants told a local radio station, City FM, that they were taken forcefully from their houses and assembled.
They narrated that a speech was made by a leader of the armed separatist fighters, before they were asked to march and later witnessed gun firing. Drinks were then served to the hundreds who said they participated at gunpoint.
“As I stayed at my home this morning, a separatist approached dressed in military attire. He asked me to go and march but I ignored him. A few minutes later another came with a cane and I had to submit,” a man explained.
The man added that he drank four bottles of beer before returning home. Noting the armed fighters gave them face masks during the activity and assured them of safety.
He, however, feared it may become a military concern in the upcoming days. However, they didn’t show up throughout the noise-generating exercise.