Gov’t accuses Amba fighters of killing journalist in Bamenda.

Government has accused separatist fighters operating in the restive North West Region of shooting to death a young journalist, Anye Nde Nsoh, in Bamenda.

The pronouncement is contained in a release issued yesterday May 8 by the Senior Divisional Officer, SDO, of Mezam Division, Simon Emile Mooh.

The administrator’s release follows nationwide outrage and condemnation after the killing on Sunday May 7 of Anye, who was serving as North West Bureau Chief of The Advocate newspaper. He was also sports reporter at Dream FM Radio in Bamenda and correspondent with the online sports news portal, Kick442.com. 

The SDO in the release was categorical that Anye was “mercilessly assassinated” by “a group of armed terrorists in Ntarikon, Bamenda II Subdivision”. 

The administrator vehemently condemned the killing of Anye, describing the act as “despicable, unacceptable and heinous”.

The SDO said the “horrible crime” is contrary to the “high vision and strong commitment” of the Head of State to always protect and promote press freedom in Cameroon”. 

Mooh reassured the population and public opinion that investigations have been opened to throw light on the “villainous crime” and to bring to book those he described as “bands of outlaw; in accordance with the laws and regulations enforce”. 

While expressing condolences to the entire communication community of the Region on behalf of the Governor, the SDO called on the population to “fully and sincerely collaborate” with the authorities to denounce and tract down the lawless and heartless individuals. 

How Anye was shot dead 

The incident is said to have happened around 9 pm at a snack bar at Che Street in Bamenda.

According to eyewitnesses, a bullet hit the journalist on the chest in the wake of sporadic gunshots. He is said to have collapsed and died moments later as he was being rushed to the hospital.

Anye is said to have stepped out of the snack bar to buy batteries for a microphone when he was shot. He is said to have been spending his weekends at the snack bar to do animation at night.

Another source said when the bullet hit Anye, those around thought he had rather prostrated to avoid being hit by a stray bullet. It was moments after that they discovered he was bleeding and gasping for breathe.  

It is reported that before arriving the Bamenda Regional Hospital, Anye had died. His corpse was then placed in the hospital mortuary pending funeral arrangements.

It is still not clear if the journalist was targeted or if he was accidently caught by bullet during the shootings by Amba fighters.

The young journalist was part of cohort seven of the Africa Fact Checking Fellowship, AFF. 

He is said to have just returned from Yaounde to establish documents for a new job he had picked up in Bamenda and was due to start work today May 9.

Journalism associations condemn, call for investigations 

In a press release issued Monday, the National Executive Bureau of the Cameroon Journalist Trade Union, CJTU, condemned the killing, indicating that, “it is obvious that our colleague was targeted by those criminals"

CJTU president, Marion Obam, noted that the killing of journalists in Cameroon, is a development that continues to tarnish the country’s image.

On its part, the Cameroon Association of English-speaking Journalists, CAMASEJ, through a release issued by its National President, Jude Viban, also condemned the killing in strong terms and called “for thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to book...”.

The association however called on journalists operating in the two restive Anglophone Regions “not to despair” but “remain vigilant while doing their job without fear or favour”. 

The CAMASEJ release detailed that Anye was an orphan, whose death has left the aunt in “devastating mood”. 

Anye, it should be added, was also Media Officer of the Cameroon Amputee Football Association, CAMPUTEE. 

In a post, the Cameroon Amputee Football Association said the shooting to death of Anye was "a blow to the entire Cameroon Amputee family"

The Association described Anye as a “dedicated, hardworking and innovative” staff since he joined the institution in 2020.

 

The Advocate Publisher regrets Anye’s killing 

Reacting to the death of Anye, the Publisher of The Advocate newspaper, Tarhyang Enowbikah Tabe, regretted his demise. 

“He was responsible for keeping The Advocate relevant in the North West and West Regions. We worked together on the day of his murder till 5:47pm. Unfortunately, he did not stay alive to read his last published articles which were the coverage of Labour Day and World Press Freedom Day. We shall miss the young reporter who could barely hurt a fly,” Tarhyang said. 

Colleagues, friends mourn 

Colleagues and friends of the deceased journalist have been inconsolable since his brutal killing. Many have been sending messages, recalling the special moments they shared with the budding journalist who Anye was.

The young journalist’s killing comes just three days after the commemoration of this year’s World Press Freedom Day on May 3.

Anye had undying passion for sports reporting. He covered the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Cameroon, making a name for himself. He leaves behind a daughter, family, friends and colleagues to mourn him.

 

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