LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Suspected gunmen have reportedly killed 10 people, including a newlywed couple and injured two others at a busy junction in the city of Bamenda in Northwest Cameroon.
The deceased couple identified as Mr. Simplice Longtsi Tsomene and Mme Tanga Helene Raissa, wee said to have legalized their marriage two months ago after many years together.
According to reports, the couple, who owned a phone shop at Old-Treasury Street in Bamenda were attacked by the gunmen who arrived in vehicles late on 16, July.
Eyewitnesses say that the attacker, upon arrival, ordered people to go down on the floor with accusations of failing to back local separatists, and opened fire as some obeyed while others ran.
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North West region Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique told the Reuters news agency that a manhunt had been launched for the “terrorists” behind the massacre.
“Investigations are on, and we will issue a statement on this later today,” he added.
The witness said men in military uniforms arrived in two vehicles to storm Nacho Junction, where restaurants, bars and shops are located, at around 7:30pm (18:30 GMT).
“They shot at people indiscriminately, the witness said, before taking off.
“There is the possibility that it could be revenge killing,” ADF spokesperson Lucas Asu said, suggesting the attackers could have been disguised as separatist fighters.
The Ambazonia Defence Forces (ADF), the main separatist group in the English-speaking region which has been fighting since 2017 in protest of alleged marginalisation by the majority French-speaking Government, however, denied responsibility.