Thirteen days after the visit of Pope Leo XIV to Bamenda, the North West Regional Delegate of National Security, Wilson Elong Njumenjikang, has described the event as a “great success,” crediting both security forces and the local population.
Speaking to Laarry Times, at the Regional Delegation of National Security on Wednesday, April 29, 2029, the North West Police boss said the smooth execution of the papal visit on April 16 was the result of “well-planned” coordination led by regional authorities and supported by multiple branches of the security services.
“The forces of law and order from the first to the third category worked in close coordination under the leadership of the North West Governor, Adolphe Lele Lafrique,” he said.
It is worth recalling that the head of the Catholic Church, who doubles as the leader of the Vatican, spent nearly six hours in Bamenda, where he inaugurated the rehabilitated and newly facelifted Metropolitan Cathedral before concluding his visit with a large open-air pontifical service at the Bamenda Airport.
Public turnout is ‘a surprise’
Despite prior concerns over security in the region, the police commissioner said the turnout and discipline of residents exceeded expectations. “The population gave us a very big surprise. They came out massively, and everybody was extremely disciplined,” he noted, adding that the event had helped reshape perceptions of the city.
Bamenda, the regional chief town of Cameroon’s English-speaking North West Region, has in recent years faced instability linked to separatist tensions. Ahead of the visit, some observers had questioned whether it would go ahead.
“Many people thought Bamenda was a no-go area,” Wilson Elong Njumenjikang said. “But we assured and reassured the team that the visit was going to be a success.”
‘Bamenda is safe.'
Wilson Elong Njumenikang acknowledged the presence of “pockets of resistance” but insisted these were minimal and did not pose a significant barrier to high-profile visits. “The Pope came, he saw, and together, we conquered,” he said.
He expressed hope that the successful visit would encourage other international and national dignitaries to include Bamenda in their itineraries. “Bamenda is safe, and it is a place to be.”
Call for continued cooperation
The Regional Police Boss also praised residents for their collaboration with security forces, describing them as “the centre of gravity” in maintaining peace. “Without the population, we cannot pretend to succeed in our missions,” he said, urging continued cooperation to stabilize the region.
He added that authorities remain committed to restoring lasting peace in the North West Region. “We plead with the population to continue working with us so that, in the near future, we can fully pacify our beloved region,” he said.
The papal visit continues to generate national attention, with many in Cameroon viewing it as a symbolic moment for Bamenda and a sign of cautious optimism for the region’s security outlook.
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