Armed men, suspected to be Nigerian militants, recently launched deadly attacks in southern Cameroon, killing at least seven government troops and displacing civilians from numerous villages. The assaults highlight ongoing security challenges and the suspected efforts of militants to control the region, prompting calls for increased military intervention and collaboration between Cameroonian and Nigerian authorities.
Villagers in southern Cameroon reported that militants, believed to be members of a Nigerian group, killed at least seven government troops and displaced civilians from approximately 15 villages. The armed men reportedly crossed the Moon River into Cameroon and launched assaults throughout the Akwaya district. The reduced river water levels during the dry season facilitated the crossing on foot, heightening security concerns in the area.
Witnesses stated that the first assault occurred on Thursday when armed individuals, suspected to be ethnic Fulani, entered the villages, firing weapons indiscriminately and setting homes ablaze. In response to the initial attack, the Cameroonian military claimed to have engaged the assailants, resulting in a retreat. However, the militants returned on Friday, reportedly better equipped and launching further attacks against government troops stationed at the chief’s palace in Bakinjaw.
Agwa Linus Tarnonge, a local leader, described the armed Fulani as having suffered casualties during the firefight but returned with reinforcements, leading to heightened violence. He noted that due to the escalating conflict, five military personnel and two gendarmes were reported dead following the confrontation. Civilians were also injured, but due to challenging access to the area, the full extent of casualties remains unknown.
Local lawmaker Aka Martin Tyoga expressed concerns over the increasing frequency of attacks, suggesting a well-planned effort by Nigerian militant factions to gain control of the region. Tyoga urged residents to relocate further from the volatile border area and called for additional military presence to combat the armed groups, who reportedly came in large numbers reminiscent of Boko Haram’s tactics.
Although no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attacks, Cameroonian officials suspect the involvement of Nigerian militants aiming to occupy territory. The Cameroonian government stated that troops have been deployed along the border for rescue operations. However, the specifics of military deployment remain vague, and the collaboration with Nigerian authorities to address the threat remains unconfirmed.
The spread of militant influence in Nigeria, particularly in Taraba State, has been a concern since Boko Haram’s rise in 2009. As conflict has spread to surrounding nations, there have been numerous violent incidents attributed to factions like the Islamic State West Africa Province. This evolving threat highlights the urgency for coordinated regional efforts to combat the surge of militancy.
The security situation in the border regions of Cameroon and Nigeria has been tense, due in part to the activities of various militant groups. As previously indicated, Boko Haram and its factions have posed significant challenges not only in Nigeria but also in neighboring countries like Cameroon, Niger, and Chad. The recent attacks in Akwaya district underscore the persistent threat from Nigerian militants and the complex dynamics of cross-border violence in this region.
In summary, the recent militant attacks in southern Cameroon reveal the ongoing security issues stemming from cross-border incursions by Nigerian groups. With government troops facing casualties and civilian displacement, local leaders are advocating for increased military presence to deter further violence. The need for collaborative efforts between Cameroon and Nigeria to combat this escalation remains critical as regional instability continues to rise.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
