Cameroonian Soldier Kills Fisherman in Cross River

A Nigerian fisherman from the border community of Mfum in Cross River State has been allegedly killed by a Cameroonian soldier.

A resident of Mfum, who identified himself as Alan Bassey, told our correspondent on Monday that the incident occurred on February 25 at a river along the border.

Bassey added that two other fishermen were injured.

“It is the aftermath of the continuous onslaught against Cameroon separatists,” he said.

Bassey said there were continuous shootings by the Cameroonian soldiers, which lasted for about three hours, adding that those targeted were Nigerians across the river.

Residents of the area said the action of the Cameroonians was capable of igniting problems between the two countries and hoped that the Federal Government would take necessary action.

They urged Nigerian security agencies to protect the lives and property of people in the country regardless of their nationality.

The clan head of Ajassor, the host community of the Mfum border point, Ntui Etta, expressed worry over the incident, saying the Cameroonian soldiers were becoming bolder and disregarding the territorial sovereignty of Nigeria.

Efforts to reach the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army for comments on the incident were abortive, as the telephone of the Army Public Relations Officer, Capt. Kayode Owolabi, did not connect.

However, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, confirmed the incident.