On behalf of the YAWC Network Cameroon Chapter family.
Condemnation of the killing of students of Mother Francisca Bilingual Academy, Bamilike Street, Fiango Kumba, 24-10-2020
It is with great shock that we received the news on the attack, morning of Saturday, October 24, 2020 on students of Mother Francisca Bilingual Academy Bamilike street,Fiango, Kumba Two Subdivision. By the time of this release, atleast 6 students were confirmed dead
Their only crime was that they went to school, which is a fundamental human right. When did the zeal to be educated become a crime that could warrant such barbaric summary execution?
The YAWC Cameroon Chapter strongly condemns such crime against humanity especially targeting children.
We therefore call on conflicting parties to engage in an urgent and genuine dialogue so as to bring to an end to this senseless war. The YAWC Network Cameroon reiterates that, no matter the circumstances, violence and retaliation can never be the solution. Children should not be used as collateral in situations of conflicts.
We also urge both parties to lay down their arms and cease fire
Schools are supposed to be the safest place for children and not a battle ground.
The YAWC Cameroon Chapter stands with the people of Kumba and extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore on school attacks in Afghanistan and Cameroon.
NEW YORK, 24 October 2020 – “This has been a deadly weekend for school children in Afghanistan and Cameroon.
“Earlier today, an attack outside an educational center in Kabul’s Dasht-e-Barchi area left 16 people dead and 45 people injured, many of them women and children.
“Thousands of miles away, an attack on a confessional bilingual college in Kumba, in south-west Cameroon, killed 8 children and injured another 12.
“I am shocked and outraged at these abominable attacks and condemn them in the strongest possible terms.
“Attacks on education are a grave violation of children’s rights. Schools must be places of safety and learning, not death traps.
“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims.
“Parties to the conflicts in Afghanistan and Cameroon must abide by the rules of war and protect children at all times. The perpetrators of these acts must be held accountable.”
The Nfon's Palace regrets this act of utter barbarism that took place in Fiango, Kumba this dark morning.
Nfon Mukete IV Ekoko and Senator Victor E. Mukete (Nfon Emeritus) on behalf of the Bafaw people, condemn this senseless act of violence in the strongest possible terms.
Our deepest condolences go to the bereaved families. Only the Almighty GOD in HIS infinite mercy can give the affected families the fortitude to go through these challenging times. Our bleeding hearts are with them.
Over the years, Kumba has suffered its share of bad days, but today’s cold-blooded murder of innocent children, studying in a classroom, surpasses our wildest imagination of what a very bad day could be. It is a tragedy like no other the City of Kumba has witnessed in its long proud history.
We say a big "NO" to the perpetration of any evil acts on the soil of Kumba, no matter the reason. Evil is evil and can never be condoned in a civilized society. As a peace-loving people, there can be no justification whatsoever for this satanic act!
To the perpetrators of this heinous crime they should remember that human life is sacred and there is Divine retribution. Their acts will therefore not go unpunished.
The Almighty GOD is still on HIS throne!
No matter what, the future of Kumba rest on us all achieving real peace for all its inhabitants. Every life counts in our GOD ordained peace project. We will not relent in our peace drive and our Prayers for true peace remains as fervent as ever! There is no turning back!
May the sweet & gentle souls of all the children so untimely departed on this sad day of mourning, rest in Perfect Peace.
Sincere Sympathy,
Nfon Mukete IV Ekoko
Nfon of Kumba & Paramount Ruler of the Bafaw
Saturday, 24th October 2020
It was a cold morning.
I would have loved to tarry in bed some more.
Mama woke me up reminding me of the benefits of school and more.
In obedience I crwaled out of bed determined to make mama and my community proud.
With a hug from mama, off to school I went after carrying out my chores.
Love you my daughter, go and make us proud.
Mama's voice echoed.
All I had was a pen, books and the intention to build my nation.
Then they came with guns and bullets in exchange for my pen and books.
Armed with only a pen and books I was helpless against their guns and bullets.
Innocently I tried to beg for mercy and permission to use my pen.
But the sight of my pen incited their rage.
Bang! bang! they shot dead mama's big dream.
Mama I am glad I died in obedience of your wish that I study and make us proud.
I am only sad cause you will be sad.
I am gone but I left my pen and books.
Let my siblings use the pen and achieve your dreams.
The pen will always be stronger and better than a gun.
The gun can not tell my story but the pen just did.
Adieu mama may my blood cleanse humanity.
Jane Frances Neng Chia
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