Military committed to fight against hostage takers in Bélel

Colonel Assoualaï Blama, commander of the 31st Motorized Infantry Brigade (Brim) has deployed 25 new men to provide more security for the people of Bélel. These new soldiers have been included to the Battalion Command and Support (BCS) in addition to 10 others who have been on the field for some time now.

Under the command of Lieutenant Francis Folefo, these men will be deployed in the localities of Bélel, Mbang Rey, Tchabal, Telo, Bakari Bata among others.

“We added more men to strengthen the security task force in these affected areas and to better coordinate the actions of our men who are now properly positioned," he explained.

The military men have been around these zones since May 23, 2015 the day of the abduction of three children in Bélel. It is expected that this new deployment will restore the confidence of the people who felt abandoned.

Meanwhile, the Sub-Prefect of Bélel, the police commissioner, the head of the gendarmerie brigade and the BIR do not have vehicles to assist in their daily routines.

The BIR for instance, make their visits aboard motorcycles. This is a situation that makes it very difficult for law enforcement agencies, as well as the administrative authority to be efficient.

“They are often three on the same motorcycle”, recounts a native of Bélel who is at least content that the 31st battalion command and support assigned to Bélel has at its disposal two new vehicles.

The undisclosed native further stated that the people of Bélel felt alone and not part of the country.

“We live here in Bélel as if we are not Cameroonians. We witness multiple kidnappings on a daily basis and feel we are on our own. Since people who are kidnapped are not children of Ministers and other managers, this does not mean anything to them”.

"Perhaps they finally realized the situation here is like that of the Far North; the reason they came to our rescue. This is an opportunity to thank this new deployment who just gave us a glimmer of hope”, says another resident of Bélel.