The ongoing fighting between the Cameroonian government and Ambazonia separatist group has spilled over to some communities in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State heightening serious tension in border villages.

The crisis, which broke out following the suppression of 2016-17 protests by Cameroonian authorities, separatists in the Anglophone regions (formerly collectively known as the Southern Cameroons), saw scores of Nigerians (in Benue State) flee their homes to take refuge in safer areas.

Many people, including women and children, have been reportedly killed and others wounded in violent attacks. The communities worse hit by the crisis include: Mbanguter and Mbaigber in Mbakwuekyaa, KahaUsar and Mbawer. Already, the Benue State House of Assembly on Tuesday called for immediate deployment of more security operatives to affected areas to safeguard the lives of the people.

The House further resolved and directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to ensure that relief materials are supplied to victims affected by the crisis to alleviate their sufferings. The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance brought by the member representing Kwande East, Hon. Anyor Mato.

Hon. Mato told the House that there was tension in those communities as fighting in Cameroon has spilled over into Nigeria, alleging that the Undir people of Cameroon attacked Mbanguter in Mbakwuekyaa community in Kwande killing people and destroying property worth millions of naira.

Meanwhile, economic and social activities in Sankera were yesterday grounded to a halt following violent protests by irate youths who thronged the streets in protest against continuous killing of innocent and defenceless people in the local government.

At least, six persons were reported to have been hacked to death after an attack on Ayati, the headquarters of Borikyo ward with others battling with varying degrees of injuries.

New Telegraph learnt that the Ukum Local Government secretariat among other government property such as schools, a police station, a hotel owned by Governor Alia’s Chief of Staff (CoS) were set ablaze. The state police command via its spokesperson, Catherine Sewuese Anene, confirmed the dastardly act. Governor Hyacinth Alia in a swift reaction slammed an indefinite curfew on the local government. (New Telegraph)

Update news