Victims of the 22nd February Bamenda Main Market fire disaster have prayed for God's guidance and protection, one year after.
Praying to God at the St Joseph Metropolitan Cathedral, Big Mankon on Friday 21st February 2025, they lamented on several fronts.
Speaking on their behalf, Madam Saphyra Lum, one of the Line Chairs said: "Over the past year, we have mourned the loss of 10 or more of our beloved colleagues, whose livelihood were claimed by the fire, either directly or as a result of the trauma and hardship that followed. We have lost more than just lives; we lost property, livelihoods and a sense of security. For many of us, the Bamenda main Market was not just a place of trade, it was the heart of our existence." Madam Saphyra said.
Madam Saphyra Lum, Line Leader
Since the fire disaster one year ago, the traders received assistance from North West Elites led by Minister Felix Mbayu to the tune of 75.5 million Francs.
To Madam Saphyra, that is the only assistance placed at their disposal and for those who were into tailoring, it helped them to secure a sewing machine.
"I wish to thank the North West elite for the support we received last year. It really helped us but as Oliver twists, we wish to beg for more. These people have gone through hell and the trauma is not easy to bear." Madam Lum said.
Traders in church
It should be noted that the government led commission of inquiry headed by the Senior Divisional officer for Mezam, Simon Emile Mooh, is still to hand any compensation to the said victims.
"We have not received any assistance from the government this far."
Release from Mezam SDO, yet no support after evaluation
As concerns efforts taken by the Bamenda City Council, the traders said the market is under construction and their hope is that "the stalls are reassigned to us upon completion." The President of the Progressive Bamenda Traders Association, PROBATA said.
The victims of the inferno have grouped themselves into an association to fight against the trauma. They used the thanksgiving mass to call on each other to stop thinking. To fight to be strong and try as much as possible to survive the storm.
"Let us fight to be strong and let us look for a means to survive and stop torturing our minds and brains."
The men of God prayed and cautioned the traders that there is hope for a better tomorrow. Keep the faith and God will restore all that you have lost.
Other traders who suffered another fire incident receiving a token from peers
Four of the traders suffered another devastating fire incident on the 28th January 2025 around the Savannah Street neighbourhood. The rest of the traders contributed a token to support them to bounce back.
They all took a commitment to be strong and steadfast until the time when the market will be reconstructed.
Market leader encouraging the fire victims
The devastating Bamenda Main Market fire inferno saw some 300+ sheds burnt to ashes affecting 439 persons. It is the biggest fire outbreak the market has encountered since it went operational in the 1950s.
By
Ndi Tsembom Elvis
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