Militants of Ambazonia, a separatist group in Northwest and Southeast regions of Cameroon who style themselves as Ambazonian Defence Forces (ADF), have again invaded Nigerian territory, killing at least 20 people in a community in Boki Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State.
Chief Cletus Obun, a former member of Cross River House of Assembly and an aspirant of House of Reps for Boki/Ikom federal constituency, confirmed the incident, saying it happened on Sunday.
“I can confirm that the Ambazonian soldiers crossed the Nigerian border Sunday morning to attack their compatriots who fled into Nigeria and refused to join their forces to fight.”
“They killed nearly 20. No one is sure yet if amongst those killed, there are Nigerian citizens.”
He said the remaining Cameroonians who also speak Bokye language of Boki people have now flooded Bashu community, not far from Danare, where Nigerian troops have a small camp.
Six months ago, hundreds of residents of Taraba border communities have fled their homes following killing of 11 people, including a traditional ruler, by Ambazonian separatists fighters.
The fighters attacked some border communities in Takum Local Government Area on Wednesday and killed 11 people.
The Ambazonian soldiers also burnt many houses and schools and carted away properties.
Eight months ago, the Ambazonia Defence Forces onfirmed a “military” partnership and alleged border control cooperation with Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist group that operate mainly in the Southeast region of Nigeria.
Ambazonian militants regularly saunter into the Boki, where there are many Cameroonians, to wreak havoc or unwind.
When contacted, Information officer of 13 Brigade of Nigerian Army Calabar, Captain Tope Aluko, said they were yet to confirm the latest attack.
Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, had then raised the alarm over how suspected Cameroonian militants gunned down the village head and some residents of Manga community in Taraba.
The lawmaker had said the Cameroonian separatists razed down the village.
Bwacha, who represents Taraba South in the Senate, said the separatists’ invasion threatened Nigeria’s territorial sovereignty as their motive is yet unknown.
He had said, “I rise this morning to draw the attention of our country men and particularly our security agencies to this unfortunate incident which undermines our integrity and sovereignty as a nation. Takum local government houses the 23 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, and so Mr. President, it is my humble submission that the Nigerian Army should rise to the challenge and curb this wanton territorial expansion.
“Their (Separatists) motive is yet unknown, whether they want to expand territory or lay claim for Southwest Cameroon is not yet clear.”