Pinyin: Villagers flee as tension rise between separatists and vigilantes
By Stephen Tadaha
A dramatic confrontation occurred on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, between local vigilantes and separatist forces. This clash has heightened tensions in Pinyin, located in the Santa Subdivision of the North West Region of Cameroon.
The trouble began when suspected separatist fighters arrested six vigilantes manning a checkpoint in Menka Village. In response, more than 300 youths from Menka armed themselves with cutlasses and sticks. They marched towards Down Pinyin. Their goal was to rescue their detained colleagues. Reportedly, the Pinyin Gendarmes supported them.
During the confrontation, the vigilantes and gendarmes managed to rescue one detained vigilante. They also recovered some solar panels intended for an MTN network antenna. However, they were unable to locate the separatists with the other five vigilantes. The vigilantes also took a vehicle parked in the compound. In a further escalation, they arrested four civilians from Down Pinyin, who are currently being held in their custody.
