Ambazonian, a Cameroonian rebel group, has challenged Nigeria’s authority by invading Belegete, a border community within the Obanlikwu local government area of Cross River State, situated between Nigeria and Cameroon.
Reports from Leadership indicate that the residents fled their homes due to an attack by the Ambazonian rebels, leading to the burning of houses.
The incursion by the Ambazonian fighters occurred on December 5, 2023. They engaged in violent acts, including killings and rapes, while occupying the community for over a week.
Anonymous sources disclosed to MUK TV that the Nigerian Army, despite camping at the Obudu Mountain Resorts for two days, failed to execute a rescue operation in the community, leaving the villagers helpless.
According to His Royal Majesty Uchua Amos Item, the paramount ruler of Obanlikwu council, Ambazonian rebels from the southwest of Cameroon Republic attacked Belegete, causing substantial destruction before fleeing the area.
Expressing concern, the traditional ruler questioned the motive behind the attack, especially since the residents who had fled to neighboring villages were yet to return to their homes in the community.
He urged both the state and federal governments to heighten their presence in the area, emphasizing the need to facilitate the return of the displaced community members to their ancestral homes.
Despite reaching out to army and police commanders in his domain, the monarch highlighted the challenges faced by security agencies due to the mountainous terrain, making it difficult for them to take substantial action.
Describing the area’s inaccessibility, the monarch explained the complexities faced while trying to reach the location, highlighting the difficulty in conducting rescue operations due to its rugged nature.
“It takes over six hours from the famous Obudu Mountain Resort to get there by descending the mountains into the deep. It is not motorable in any way. Okada riders charge N35,000 to travel there. So, it was very difficult for our men to descend to the place to rescue our people.
“But reliable sources confirmed to me this morning that the insurgents have abandoned the community. But they however burnt some houses before they fled,” the monarch added, outlining the aftermath of the rebels’ departure.
