Militant Attacks from Nigeria Claim Lives of Cameroonian Troops and Displace Civilians

Armed men from Nigeria attacked villages in Cameroon’s Akwaya district, killing at least seven troops and displacing civilians. The attacks, attributed to alleged Fulani militants, highlight ongoing security risks at the border. Local leaders and lawmakers are calling for increased military support and collaboration between Cameroon and Nigeria to counter the militant threat.

Villagers in southern Cameroon reported that armed individuals crossed over from Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of at least seven government troops and displacing civilians from approximately 15 settlements. Witnesses believe these attackers are affiliated with a militant group. In the Akwaya district, near the border with Nigeria’s Taraba state, several hundred armed men are said to have crossed the Moon River multiple times this week, initiating violent assaults on local villages.

The Moon River, located to the south of Cameroon’s border with Nigeria, has seen a significant drop in water levels this dry season, facilitating easier passage on foot. Villagers recounted that the initial attack occurred on Thursday when the armed men, suspected to be ethnic Fulani from Nigeria, entered and indiscriminately shot into the air, set homes ablaze, and issued threats against civilians.

The Cameroonian military responded, claiming to have engaged the attackers, who subsequently retreated after suffering casualties among their ranks. Agwa Linus Tarnonge, the traditional ruler of Bakinjaw village, expressed his shock that the attackers returned the following day with even greater firepower.

“In the course of gunfire exchanges, some of those armed Fulani suffered casualties, and then the remaining ones retreated and came back with an overwhelming population,” Tarnonge told reporters. He stated that five military personnel and two gendarmes were killed after the attackers targeted the military contingent stationed at the chief’s palace in Bakinjaw.

Cameroon’s military confirmed the loss of five troops during the conflict and mentioned that two more troops died from injuries sustained en route to hospital. Numerous civilians were reported injured, but the full extent of casualties remains unclear due to limited access to the affected region.

Aka Martin Tyoga, a lawmaker from Akwaya, condemned the attacks as part of ongoing efforts by Nigerian militant factions to gain control of the surrounding area. He urged residents to relocate to the interior where military protection is available, asserting the need for an increase in military forces due to the considerable number of attackers involved.

No group has yet taken responsibility for the assaults, yet both Cameroonian officials and residents from Akwaya suspect a Nigerian militant group aims to establish a foothold in the territory. Military operations have been initiated, with troops deployed to the border region, although the government has not disclosed specific numbers involved.

The Cameroonian government stated that it is collaborating with Nigerian officials to address the border incursions but did not provide further details. Efforts by Nigeria to counter the expansion of militancy within its borders have been ongoing since 2009, following a surge in violence linked to Boko Haram and more recently Islamic State-affiliated groups.

Repeated attacks have occurred in Nigeria’s Taraba state since 2022, attributed to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). In 2021, a coalition of nations including Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad, and Niger recognized ISWAP’s rising influence as Boko Haram’s power waned after the death of its leader, Aboubakar Shekau.

The ongoing violence in the border region between Cameroon and Nigeria has been exacerbated by the presence of militant groups. Recent attacks in southern Cameroon highlight the challenges faced by local populations, as armed groups exploit border vulnerabilities. The arrival of these groups poses a significant threat to security and stability in the area, with government forces grappling to maintain control amid increasing hostility.

In summary, the violent incursions by armed militants from Nigeria into southern Cameroon represent a severe security concern, leading to the loss of military personnel and the displacement of civilians. Government officials are calling for increased military presence to protect civilians and deter future attacks. Both Cameroonian and Nigerian authorities are reportedly working together to address the threat posed by these militant groups.

Original Source: www.voanews.com

Leila Abdi

Leila Abdi is a seasoned journalist known for her compelling feature articles that explore cultural and societal themes. With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and a Master's in Sociology, she began her career in community news, focusing on underrepresented voices. Her work has been recognized with several awards, and she now writes for prominent media outlets, covering a diverse range of topics that reflect the evolving fabric of society. Leila's empathetic storytelling combined with her analytical skills has garnered her a loyal readership.

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