The Civil Society in Bamenda has expressed concern over the alarming rate of insecurity in the town.

Insecurity, says Simon Nkwenti, Coordinator of Bamenda Civil Society organisation, "is now having a serious toll on the social and economic activities of the town". In a two-page document convening a conference on insecurity in Bamenda, Nkwenti regrets that financial institutions and churches are being attacked and robbed in broad daylight.

"Citizens are attacked, beaten up and their property and money seized. Armed robbers shoot, kill, loot and rape their occupants," it reads. Added to these are constituted gangs whose members deceive people with multiple tricks and their money seized while local inhabitants look on helplessly.

Petty traders popularly known as "buyam sellams" and people who operate roadside businesses close up for fear of men of the underworld; thereby enhancing the misery of their families.

Worst of all, the statement laments; the thieves are not contented with material and financial resources. "They rape our mothers, wives, and daughters in our presence and in some cases kill"

Recent victims of such brutality include Paul Tah, Bursar of GBHS Bamenda, and Hadison Mokom of Santa, both killed by some of these hoodlums. Others were shot but not killed while women have been victim of rape.

In a situation like this, the statement posits, collective effort by the community is the only answer. Rather than blame security men, Nkwenti, advocates shared responsibility.

The statement congratulates the forces of law and order saying they are doing a commendable job, but notes that the successes may not be total without collaboration from the community.

The statement announces the holding of a conference on insecurity to hold in Ayaba Hotel Bamenda on November 21, 2007. Civil Society organisations and independent personalities will organise the conference, which Northwest Governor, Koumpa Issa, will preside.

The conference would involve traditional rulers, NGOs, church authorities, political leaders, economic operators, forces of law and order and the local Administration.