Unveiling Injustice: The Tragic Tale of Macubel's Untold Struggle
- Miss N.M
- August 08, 2024
- 0 Comment
It’s the 2nd of September 2019 when my younger brother, Macubel, a talented apprentice carpenter, sets out with his three colleagues to work in Bamenda town. Little did we know, that this ordinary day would mark a turning point, forever altering the course of our lives.
On their way back near Ayaba Hotel, a truck carrying state-armed men and some youths crosses their path. A young boy in the truck falsely identifies Macubel as “GENERAL SMALL PEPPER FROM BALI.” Despite being below the legal age of 16 and without any identification card, Macubel, the only Anglophone among them, is singled out for no apparent reason. This random act of suspicion marks the beginning of a horrific ordeal.
Without a word of inquiry, the state-armed men proceed to physically assault him. Despite his colleagues’ desperate attempts to explain their innocence as mere apprentices, their voices are silenced with contempt. Macubel is ruthlessly beaten, forcefully taken into the truck, and driven towards Bafut. That evening, one of his colleagues returns with the harrowing tale of Macubel’s abduction, leaving us with a chilling sense of dread.
The following day, September 3rd, 2019, our family, including my parents, sister, and concerned neighbors, embark on a desperate search for Macubel. Along the road to Bafut, we encounter a sight that shatters us to our core. Macubel lies lifeless on the road, his body mutilated with broken limbs and multiple wounds inflicted by machetes and gunshots. The brutality inflicted upon him leaves us shattered and traumatized.
Amid our grief, the agony is compounded by the callous celebration of Macubel’s death by an unknown individual on social media. The urge for vengeance surges within me, yet I know I must retain composure in the face of such injustice. This act of cruelty underscores the depths of the darkness we are facing. Despite our relentless pursuit of justice, taking the case to court, frequent visits, and pursuing legal action, the veil of silence shrouds the truth. The perpetrator remains unknown, justice is elusive, and closure beyond reach. Our hearts are heavy with sorrow and unresolved questions, lingering in the shadow of a tragedy that defines Macubel’s untold struggle.
In memory of Macubel, we vow to continue seeking justice and shining a light on the darkness of impunity that claimed his innocent life. His story is a testament to the ongoing suffering and injustice faced by many in the Anglophone region of Cameroon. His life tragically cut short, serves as a powerful reminder that we must never give up the fight for peace, justice, and accountability. His legacy will live on in the fight for a better future.
The brutal reality of extrajudicial killings and police brutality in Cameroon. It underscores the urgent need for respect and protection of the right to life by both the public and government authorities. The demand for justice and accountability, a thorough investigation, addresses the root causes of the conflict and ensures human rights are protected for all. Only through collective action can peace and justice prevail.