His Royal Majesty Fon Azehfor III, Paramount Fon of Nkwen, has expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to families affected by a tragic flood incident that claimed multiple lives in his Fondom.
The incident occurred near the stream separating Bayelle and Mugheb quarters, at the well-known Mile 2 bridge area in Nkwen, following torrential rains that swept through the community on the evening of Friday, March 26, 2026. The disaster left several residents dead, others injured, and many families in mourning.
In an official message released on Saturday, March 28, 2026, the traditional ruler conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved families and those currently receiving medical care. “May you find strength and comfort in this difficult moment,” he stated, acknowledging the emotional toll the tragedy has taken on the community.
Fon Azehfor III also commended the rapid response of rescue teams, local volunteers, and administrative authorities who worked under challenging conditions to recover victims and manage the aftermath. Their efforts, he noted, demonstrated the strong sense of unity and solidarity that characterizes the Nkwen community during times of crisis.
Rising Death Toll and Rescue Efforts
Background reports indicate that rescue operations began shortly after the incident. On Saturday, March 27, 2026, an army rescue unit led by Senior Warrant Officer Taku Paul, head of the unit in Mulang, collaborated with local residents to retrieve three bodies from a swampy area around Below Street Four in Mulang. All three victims were women.
Search efforts continued into the following day, and on Sunday, March 29, 2026, an additional body, a male, was recovered with the assistance of community members, bringing the total number of confirmed fatalities to four.
Meanwhile, as of March 27, four survivors were receiving treatment at PMI Integrated Health Centre and Mbingo Annex, where medical teams continue to monitor their condition.
Call for Vigilance Amid Rainy Season
In his address, the Fon issued a strong appeal to residents of Nkwen and the wider Bamenda community to remain vigilant, particularly during the ongoing rainy season. He warned against risky movements around construction zones, water channels, and temporary crossings, emphasizing that such actions could lead to preventable loss of life. “I cannot overemphasize the importance of avoiding risky movements during heavy rainfall,” he cautioned, urging citizens to adhere strictly to safety guidelines and warning signs issued by authorities and contractors.
The traditional ruler stressed that while development projects are essential for progress, they must not come at the expense of human safety. He called on residents to take personal responsibility and act with discipline and caution.
A Call for Unity and Support
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, Fon Azehfor III encouraged unity, compassion, and mutual support among residents. He urged the people of Nkwen to stand in solidarity with affected families and to support one another during this period of grief. “I pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed,” he concluded, “and ask the Almighty to grant comfort, healing, and strength to all who are affected.”
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