Nkambe attack: widespread condemnation as injury toll surpasses 70

By Charity Nginyu

The recent Nkambe attack by separatist fighters has sent shockwaves through the nation, as the number of injuries surpasses 70, igniting widespread condemnation and calls for justice.

Bodies and personalities, both national and international have taken to social media to condemn the barbaric act which reports say claimed the life of a student.

In a Facebook post on Monday, February 12, 2024, the United States (US) Embassy in Yaoundé outrightly condemned the act, noting there is no justification for such an attack.

“The U.S. Embassy condemns in the strongest possible terms the horrific February 11 attack in Nkambe, Northwest Region, that killed at least one person and left dozens more seriously injured,” the Embassy wrote on their Facebook page.

They went on, “There is absolutely no justification for an attack against civilians or children in particular. We extend our condolences to the families of those killed and wish everyone who was injured a speedy recovery.”

The President of the Republic of Cameroon on his part reacted to the incident on his official Facebook page, “A heinous act was committed by cowardly criminals in Nkambe, North-West Region while young Cameroonians were celebrating the day dedicated to them,” read a recent post on his official page adding, “I strongly condemn this terrorist attack.”

Cameroon’s Prime Minister, Dion Ngute in a post on X, formerly Twitter denounced the attack in question, saying it was intended to disrupt activities marking the Youth Day Celebration.

“These acts of terrorism, which occurred on the very day of the festivities dedicated to Cameroon’s youth, and the day after the Message from the President of the Republic, His Excellency @PR_Paul _BIYA, to this important section of the population, were clearly intended to disrupt the prevailing patriotic atmosphere and stir fear in peoples’ hearts,” he stated in the post.

Call for help amit condemnation

The Wimbum Cultural and Development Association (WICUDA) has pleaded to the population in Donga Matung Division and beyond to assist in catering for victims of the attack.

The call was made via a communique signed by WICUDA General President, Rogers Nforgwei, today Monday, February 12.

At least one person was killed and dozens of others injured by an improvised explosive device during Youth Day march event on February 11, 2024, at Nkambe central subdivision in the North West region.