Explosion Rocks Bamenda On Christmas Day

Bamenda, the regional capital of the Northwest, witnessed a troubling Christmas morning as an improvised explosive device destroyed three makeshift shops at T-Junction. A witness lamented the significant damage caused by the explosion, stating, "My brother's clothing store was completely burned, and the fruits in a nearby stall were also engulfed in flames."

While the origin of the explosive remains unclear, suspicions immediately surfaced, pointing fingers at separatist fighters. This form of violence, often associated with separatist groups, has previously targeted the military but unfortunately ends up harming the civilian population. "This is how the Amba Boys operate; they plant explosives targeting the military but end up harming the helpless population. Look at the destruction in these difficult times," a resident remarked.

This incident added a somber note to Christmas celebrations in Bamenda, a city already grappling with the challenges of being a traditional ghost town every Monday. Despite the festive occasion of Christmas, the streets remained eerily empty, contrasting with the usual hustle and bustle of Christmas Day.

The atmosphere, typically vibrant with crowds in the streets, was replaced by a disconcerting silence as residents chose to stay home to avoid potential dangers associated with the sporadic violence plaguing Bamenda. The impact of the explosion resonates not only in the material damage to the shops but also in the disruption of Christmas festivities.

Many citizens opted to celebrate within the safety of their homes, avoiding public spaces to mitigate the risk of encountering violence or mass shootings, sadly becoming a grim reality in the city. The situation reflects the broader uncertainty prevailing in many cities and villages in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon.

Christmas Day, falling on a Monday, coincides with the traditional observance of the ghost town. While some brave the desolate streets to attend religious services, the majority of residents choose a quieter celebration at home.