Yaoundé On Alert Over Alleged Boko Haram Infiltration

Yaounde, Cameroon—Security has been beefed up in the Cameroon capital, Yaoundé following what authorities have termed a possible terrorist attack by the Nigerian jihadist group, Boko Haram.

Defence minister Joseph Beti Assomo urged that security be reinforced in strategic locations, including government offices, army barracks, military hospitals and crowded places.

Mr Assomo also ordered the immediate closure of the Northern entrance to the Defence ministry headquarters, which faces the French Embassy in Yaoundé, as well the erection of speed breaks in front of the military garrison hospital.

This reporter could not independently verify allegations that over 80 Boko Haram militants recently infiltrated the town.

Though Yaoundé has not been targeted before by the group that has killed tens of Cameroonians in the Far North Region, the Defence minister’s order has been seen by many as a response to the above allegations.

At least 20 people died and over 50 others were injured following a twin suicide attack on a market in Mora late last month. The attack, like previous ones, was attributed to the Boko Haram, which has carried out close to 100 strikes in the Far North since the beginning of the year.

Amnesty International says the Nigerian-based Boko Haram has killed more than 20,000 people in its seven-year insurgency. It has since last year stepped up attacks in neighbouring Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

Cameroon is part of an 8,700-strong joint Military Task-Force (MNJTF) set up to combat the jihadists.

MNJTF comprises units from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin.

By africareview.com