North West Regional News Round Up Season 17

School Attacked In Bali Kumbat 

Learners In Bamenda Return to Classrooms After Lockdown

After a prolonged wait, learners have finally returned to the four walls of their classrooms following a two-week lockdown imposed by armed groups in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon. On this first day of the 2024/2025 academic year for many students in Bamenda and it's environs, many were seen heading to school on Tuesday September 24. The transport sector was bustling, with overloaded bikes and taxis visible throughout the area. Transport operators have been urged to adhere to speed limits for safety. Admissions are still ongoing in some schools, but a noticeable absence was the sight of students in their school uniforms, particularly in downtown Bamenda. We await further updates from other parts of the region regarding the back-to-school situation for 2024.

Severe Floods Hit Bamenda After Heavy Rains 

Nature has continued to challenge the local population, with heavy rains leading to serious flooding in many areas. Akum experienced what many describe as one of the largest floods in recent years. The well-known bridge linking Mike 3 and Mike 4 was submerged on Monday September 23. While some children attempted to cross the bridge, others recorded videos and commented on the situation, seemingly unaware of the dangers involved.

Kidnappers Demand 5 Million FCFA To Release Woman 

In the Nkwen neighborhood, reports indicate that a woman was been kidnapped, with the abductors demanding a ransom of 5 million francs. Eyewitnesses say she was taken from a beer parlor in Mile 2 late at night. Given her marital status, many are questioning what a married woman could be doing at a drinking spot at such an hour.

Bamenda Community Urges St Blaise Catholic Hospital To Make Healthcare Services Affordable 

Catholic Christians and residents of Bamenda have expressed their gratitude to His Grace Andrew Nkea, Archbishop of the Bamenda Archdiocese, for the opening of a new facility at St. Blaise Catholic Hospital in Big Mankon, aimed at addressing the health needs of the community. While community members appreciate the Bishop's efforts, they urge the hospital administration to ensure that services remain accessible, especially in a region grappling with the effects of the Anglophone armed conflict, which has left many impoverished. In an interview with drayinfos.com, Abi Margaret, a Catholic Christian and internally displaced person from Widikum in Momo Division, highlighted the high costs associated with faith-based healthcare institutions. She hopes for a more affordable approach: “My wish is for services not to be too expensive. I plead with the Bishop to make healthcare at St. Blaise Catholic Hospital affordable so that we can benefit from these services,” she said.

Armed Robbery in Food Market Neighborhood

On Monday night breaking Tuesday September 24, armed robbers broke into a shop in the Food Market neighborhood, stealing items like bags of rice and containers of chocolate. Authorities are investigating, with suspicions directed toward local drug addicts who frequent an area within the market.

Military Raid in Widikum Subdivision leaves About Six People Dead.

In a recent military operation in Benzi, Bifang, located in the Widikum subdivision of the Northwest Region of Cameroon, six individuals were reported killed. Among the deceased, three were identified as civilians, while the other three were suspected separatist fighters. It remains unclear if the gunfire exchanged during the raid resulted in any casualties among the soldiers.

Destruction of Classrooms in Nyugu

In a troubling incident, suspected separatist fighters have reportedly destroyed classrooms at a government primary school in Nyugu, situated in the Bali Kumbat subdivision of Ngoketungia division, Northwest Region. Images of the damaged buildings have circulated widely on social media. Although no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack, suspicions increasingly point toward separatist fighters.

Chung Julliet Killed By IED Explosion In Nkwen Laid To Rest

The remains of Chung Julliet, who tragically lost her life due to an IED explosion at Nkwen Market last Thursday, have been removed from the Regional Hospital Mortuary in Bamenda. Her body was taken to Oku for burial. Chung, an internally displaced person from Oku, operated a mobile money kiosk and sold garden eggs at the market on designated ghost town days. She leaves behind a child.

Drayinfos.com