Belo: separatist attack claims soldier’s life, sparks outrage

A renewed wave of violence gripped one of the two troubled Anglophone regions this 22 March, 2025 resulting in the death of a soldier and the abduction of three others.

As separatist fighters launched a deadly attack near Mbingo in the Belo Subdivision of the North West Region last Saturday, March 22. The assault resulted in the death of one Cameroonian soldier and the abduction of three others, further escalating the long-standing conflict and raising concerns about the escalating brutality. The attackers circulated disturbing videos depicting the slain soldier robbed and left on a roadway.

The footage also showed the captured soldiers being subjected to torture, reigniting widespread outrage and condemnation of the ongoing violence in the region. The graphic nature of the videos has further inflamed tensions, serving as a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict. The Mbingo area has been the site of previous attacks on security forces, including a similar incident in October 2024, which resulted in the deaths of two Cameroonian soldiers.

The repeated targeting of security forces highlights the strategic importance of the region and the determination of separatist groups to maintain their presence. The Cameroonian government has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the attack. However, security forces are reportedly conducting operations in the area to apprehend the perpetrators and secure the release of the abducted soldiers.

The government’s response will be closely watched as it seeks to balance the need for security with concerns about human rights and the potential for further escalation of violence. Meanwhile Ajabi a separatist fighter and his group were killed after numerous attacks and an attack on cocoa farmers per Lieutenant Colonel Onana, collecting ransoms from farmers and later escaped to Nigerian.

Upon his return, he was killed alongside two aides the incident occurred as they boarded motorcycles returning from Nigeria, weapons like boxes of ammunition, phones and many others were recovered. Ajabi’s killing has brought excitement to localities like Etam, Teke, and Matoh.