By Doh Bertrand Nua
Hundreds of Catholic Christians in Kumbo Diocese in Bui Division in Cameroon's restive North West Region have added their voices to that of the ‘Nwerong’ – a secret society and security arm of the Nso clan to denounce separatist activities, pray for peace and return to normalcy.
Bishop George Nkuo joins Christians to March for return to peace
The peace march in Kumbo started as early as 6 a.m. Tuesday 20 October 2020.
The Christians marched from their homes across major streets of Kumbo with peace plants, distancing themselves from wanton killings, kidnapping, torture and other violent acts perpetrated in the Division by non-state armed groups commonly called 'Amba' fighters.
They alled for an end to the closed to four years separatist-imposed school boycott, adding that they cannot continue to see their children stay away from school any further.
They appealed to gunmen operating in the area to allow effective start of classes in all schools in Kumbo.
The Christians assembled at the Cathedral where the Bishop of Kumbo Diocese, Mgr George Nkuo blessed them and joined them in celebrating a Holy Mass to crown the peace March.
The Christians used the mass to present their plight to God, asking Him to look into their worries and bring back peace, normalcy not only in the Division but across the two restive Anglophone regions.
“…this is a celebration in which we have invited God to come down for peace to be in Kumbo beginning in our hearts. It is a very special call for those who are using weapons of war that they should drop their weapons and they should build on peace,” Bishop Nkuo said.
He called on all and sundry to break down the barriers of hatred and urged them to love one another.
The prelate saluted the massive turnout of Christians for the oeace March despite the security challenges, sttaing that it is an evidence to the fact that the people are tired of the suffering and are ready for peace.
Reports emerged few hours after the peace march and holy mass that some of those who took part were kidnapped and taken to undisclosed areas by gunmen suspected to be separatist fighters.
We gathered that some of the kidnapped Christians were later released but sources in Kumbo told us at press time that not all of those who were kidnapped were freed.
Our source added that the Christians were already mobilising to storm separatist camps to demand the release of the kidnap Christians. We cannot independently confirm if they were finally freed.
The peace march led by Christians comes barely a week after the Nso a secret society disavow separatist fighters still operating on the land and warned them against continuous spread of bloodshed and other atrocious killings.
This was during an event that was organised by notables of the land to cleanse the land ahead of the eventual return of the paramount ruler who has been out of the village for close to two years.
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