In a horrifying incident that unfolded in the early hours of Monday, unidentified gunmen launched a brutal attack on the unsuspecting residents of a town in western Cameroon, leaving at least 20 people dead.
The town of Mamfe, which serves as the administrative head of the surrounding Manyu division, was the scene of this shocking violence.
The assailants set houses ablaze and opened fire on the residents, many of whom were still asleep.
Mamfe, nestled in Cameroon’s south-west region, is situated less than 50 km from the border with Nigeria.
According to reports, in the aftermath of the attack, seven individuals were rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.
Security forces have been deployed to the area and are currently conducting a thorough search operation.
Local government official Viang Mekala has assured the public that the situation is under control and has urged residents to remain calm.
Also, reports from locals suggested a suspicion that the incident was planned to sabotage Monday’s celebrations in Mamfe and other towns honoring Paul Biya’s 41st anniversary as president of Cameroon.
It’s important to note that the minority English-speaking regions of Cameroon have been embroiled in a separatist conflict since 2017, with separatists fighting for the creation of an independent state known as Ambazonia.
Armed groups have been responsible for numerous attacks, kidnappings, and killings in the North West and South West regions of the predominantly French-speaking African nation. However, no group has claimed responsibility for Monday’s attack as of yet.
