War on Boko Haram crippling businesses in Kumba

The ever-bustling city of Kumba and economic hub of the South West region is currently sinking in economic quagmire owing to anti-terrorism measures recently taken by Meme SDO, Koulbout Aman David.

Following the onslaught of Boko Haram incursions and in a bid to avert any suicide bomb attacks by militants of the Islamic Boko Haram in the city, Koulbout passed an order prohibiting circulation of commercial motorcycles between 9pm and 5am. Commercial motorbikes fondly known as ‘okada’ constitute some of most popular means of transportation within the city.

The order also passed a curfew on beer parlors and other relaxation spots – they must shut their doors at exactly 9pm.

Despite the rationale behind the order, business men and other economic operators are picking holes in the measure as it is causing them untold financial losses.

When our reporter alighted from a bus at BICEC Junction in Kumba, Friday August 7, by 9:30pm, the area noted for its proliferation of bars was already deserted. One could count attendees with the fingers of the hand, unlike some months back when customers used to scramble for sitting space.

Satellite activities such as steak and fish roasting, call box operation, mini shops and even ‘free girls’ at the famous Beaucoup de Bar Junction have given way.

Some minutes later same day, the Journal noticed that the usually petit crime-prone Kosala neighborhood was already asleep, with virtually no one at Kosala III Junction by 10pm. Business activities at Kosala III junction prior to the embargo usually close by 1am, we learnt from the Quarter Head, Ndiba Akwo Charles.

Fears are high that the crippling of business activities in Kumba, following the restrictions may have a multiplier effect across the region and the country at large. Kumba, it should be noted is a road junction town leading to Mundemba in Ndian Division, Mamfe in Manyu Division, Tombel in Kupe Muanenguba Division, Loum in the West region, Mbanga in the Littoral region, Buea in Fako Division as well as other remote areas like Matoh, Laduma, and Barombi.

Agendia Susan, a food stuff trader, disclosed that she is having it hard with the turn of issues. “I usually leave my house by 4am to Ekombe along Mbonge road to buy foodstuffs that arrive early in the market. Then I return to Kumba and sell. But now, I only go by 6am and by the time I get there, other market women have scrambled for everything,” she said.

Susan added that she is on the verge of running out of the business as her turnover is drastically falling.

A bar owner along Buea Road Kumba who elected anonymity, told the Journal that the order is uncalled for. “Customers usually start coming here by 8pm. And by the time they finish their first drink with intention to take a second, I am bound to close or face overzealous security men,” the bar owner lamented.

Nji Samson, Peter Kum and Ebot John, all commercial bike riders confirmed that the order is a bitter pill to swallow. They all converged on the opinion that they usually make some 10,000FCFA each when on night duty.

We observed that popular bakeries, restaurants and tea/coffee cafeterias that used to operate at night are forced to shut down before that time.

In addition, workers who leave late or go to work very early like bakery workers, night guards and fuel filling attendants are feeling the economic brunt.

Meanwhile, CJ gathered that a mixed team of police and gendarmerie officers who patrol the city at night on a daily basis intimidate the population.

“If you are caught after 9pm without an ID, you are in trouble. At times they may even take you along even though you are in possession of an ID card,” we overheard, some residents complaining.

However, the population is gradually getting used to the new measures, a Kumba-based radio broadcaster, Nyambot Divine said.