Military gears, ammunitions, and other fetishes seized from the armed separatist fighters
By Neba Jerome Ambe
At least 14 people have been reported dead following a violent attack on a cultural gathering in Cameroon’s North West Region, in an attack that has once again highlighted the fragile security situation in the conflict affected North West Region on Saturday April 25, 2026
The incident occurred in Kwanso village, within Jakiri Subdivision of Bui Division, during the Nderem Nyam cultural festival, popularly known as NYAMCUDA. What began as a celebration of heritage and community quickly descended into chaos as gunfire erupted, sending residents fleeing for safety.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the violence broke out while villagers were assembled at the festival grounds. Several homes and motorcycles were reportedly set ablaze, with unverified videos circulating on social media showing bodies lying on the ground as distraught residents called for assistance.
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the circumstances surrounding the attack. Local sources indicate that government forces may have launched an attack targeting suspected separatist fighters, commonly referred to as “Amba Boys,” believed to have been present at the event. However, witnesses claim that the shooting appeared indiscriminate, raising concerns about civilian casualties.
Separate accounts suggest that clashes between security forces and armed separatists triggered the violence, forcing villagers to flee into nearby bushes. Residents also reported that the armed group had imposed restrictions, including a ban on mobile phone usage, during the festival prior to the attack.
While some reports put the death toll at 11, others indicate the number could be higher. The identities of the victims have not yet been officially confirmed, and authorities have yet to release a formal statement clarifying the sequence of events or responsibility for the killings.
The attack comes barely weeks after the visit of Pope Leo XIV to Bamenda, where he called for peace and renewed dialogue to resolve the protracted Anglophone crisis that has gripped Cameroon’s North West and South West regions for nearly a decade.
Security analysts warn that the latest violence underscores the persistent volatility in the attack despite repeated calls for calm from both national and international actors. The population has continued to bear the brunt of the conflict, often caught between armed separatist groups and government forces
Investigations are expected to provide further clarity on the perpetrators and motives behind the attack, as humanitarian concerns grow over the safety of civilians in affected communities.
