Southwest Camerounians have claimed they depend on food and other items from Nigeria to survive.
The Southwest Cameroun region, also known as the Ambazonian Republic is fighting for independence from the country following blockade from other parts of the mother country.
The region has appealed to the international community, especially Nigeria to help in prosecuting a war against Cameroun.
Bishops and other congregants from the region who were in Calabar, Nigeria, over the weekend for a religious event disclosed this to DAILY POST.
63-year-old Bishop Victor Takomi from Mamfe in a chat with our correspondent said even though insurrection is ensuing bitterly between the Ambazonian Boys and President Paul Biya’s soldiers, they all need food. We, in particular, need food and supports from Nigeria because we face a blockade within Cameroon.”
He said despite the hostilities Nigerian businessmen still defy the guns to export foods into Cameroon without which hunger would have become their second-highest killer after the guns.
He said commercial activities still thrive between the two regions and Nigeria though it is not a tea party to move or cross the international border.
In my part of ‘Ambazonia’, we export mostly palm oil and cocoa to Nigeria. We go through lots of hassles, risks to our lives and detentions to be able to export or get foods from Nigeria.
“Nigerians have helped us tremendously. They export almost everything to us such as foods, textiles, electronics, detergents, drinks etc.
With or without border closure or killings, the volumes of businesses are high.
The good thing is that they don’t really harass Nigerians that bring foods to us. Our Amba Boys would only harass anybody not necessarily Nigerians if they suspect saboteurs or soldiers from the La Republique du Cameroon.
For instance, when we were coming, many vehicles were intercepted. We were blocked in Cameroon by Amba Boys when we were coming to Nigeria. Some drivers and passengers were taken into the bush, some returned while some did not.”
Takom said that fighting would usually erupt when military vehicles approach, or when they have information about sabotage or suspicious movements.
According to him, every day is not a fighting day, disclosing, too, that there are certain days which the Amba Boys would declare no movement. “On such days you are much at risk if you disobey.”
He also said that whereas they were able to leave Cameroon without harm despite the hostilities but when they crossed into Ikom and Ugep towns in Cross River State in the night on their way to Calabar, armed robbers attacked them.
