Gov't evaluates vigilante committees’ contribution

On the instructions of the Head of State, Paul Biya, the governor of the Far North region, Midjiyawa Bakari, went to Mora last Thursday chairing a review meeting, awareness and encouragement of members of vigilante committees of localities in Mayo-Sava Division.

The meeting brought together members of the vigilante committees of the localities of Bonderie, Limani, Kolofata, Kerawa and Mora.

"The idea of this meeting, the Governor said, was born of the fact that a few weeks ago, the members of these vigilante committees have recorded some interesting results through acts of bravery shown against the enemy, "writes Cameroon Tribune on newsstands on Tuesday, February 2, 2016. However, during this month of January, the Governor noted, the guard seems to have declined somehow.

Cameroon intends to find proactive strategies to counter Boko Haram since it is constantly changing in its attack strategies. Another focus of the meeting was held behind closed doors. It brought together the administrative, religious and traditional leaders of the Mayo-Sava alongside Governor Midiyawa Bakari and his staff. His goal was to put the record straight to redefine the roles and limitations of each in this coercion against Boko Haram, reports the newspaper.

The governor of the Far North region, however, recalled the mischief to members of vigilante committees which are to "inform, educate, and report suspicious circumstances to the authorities and security forces to take decisions within a reasonable time."

The governor, at the same time, decorated nine members of the different vigilante committees who have distinguished themselves in the field by acts of bravery and he also gave financial support to all the VCs.

In January 2016, twenty attacks of Boko Haram were recorded, leaving about 75 dead.