2016 Youth Day Celebration in Buea witnesses Stampede caused by a man wearing a mask

By Moki S. Mokondo in Buea for Mount Fako News Centre

Some youths who turned out on the 11th of February 2016 to celebrate the National Youth Day event at the Independent Square in Buea ended up with injuries in hospitals after a stampede.
While others were busy exercising their patriotism, a young man wearing a mask appeared in the crowd causing some youths to be frightened.
Hearing some students screaming, others who did not even know what was happening took on their heels running helter-skelter for their lives. In the cause of running, some of them fell and were trampled upon.

A student from Cameroon Opportunity Industrialisation Centre (C.O.I.C) and victim of the incident (name withheld for security reasons) told Fako News Centre that she and her school mates were still around the Delegation of Culture along the main road organising themselves for the march pass when they saw students screaming and running to different directions.
She explained that before she could run to a safe position, she found herself on the floor with others running and stepping on her. She only realised herself hours later at the hospital receiving medical attention. While three students collapsed in the stampede, others were treated for minor wounds sustained during the incedent.
It is believed that more damage would have been done if this incident occurred where nursery school kids and primary school pupils assembled.
The young man who caused the disorder was arrested and immediately rushed to the police station for questioning. Many have questioned why one should get involved in such and act in a time when security issues are a major concern in the country.

However, youth day celebration in Buea was successful as many who attended the event did not even notice the chaos that took place. Students and teachers put on a special youth day uniform in schools across the country.