Cameroonians flee Boko Haram attacks FOTOCOL, a Cameroonian town across the border from Borno State, Nigeria, looks deserted. The area is becoming increasingly deserted, due to persistent attacks, looting and kidnappings by suspected Boko Haram members. Government officials are pleading with former residents to return, but they fear for their safety. In addition, many government workers sent to the border localities are leaving the area. Secondary school teacher Asanji Paul, speaking with newsmen, promised never to return to Fotocol. “You cannot be in a place where there is no peace. You know that at any one point in time, your life is not safe,” Paul said. Likewise, truck drivers are refusing to transport food items to the border area, and huge quantities of cotton, onions and other farm produce are piling up, as some business owners also fled for their lives. ] “I am really afraid of them (Boko Haram). If you are not secured where you are, just better leave the place. I am still afraid of the zone, so I can’t let my people stay there,” another resident, Ngum Peter, said.

Cameroonians flee Boko Haram attacks

FOTOCOL, a Cameroonian town across the border from Borno State, Nigeria, looks deserted.

The area is becoming increasingly deserted, due to persistent attacks, looting and kidnappings by suspected Boko Haram members.

Government officials are pleading with former residents to return, but they fear for their safety.

In addition, many government workers sent to the border localities are leaving the area.

Secondary school teacher Asanji Paul, speaking with newsmen, promised never to return to Fotocol.

“You cannot be in a place where there is no peace. You know that at any one point in time, your life is not safe,” Paul said.

Likewise, truck drivers are refusing to transport food items to the border area, and huge quantities of cotton, onions and other farm produce are piling up, as some business owners also fled for their lives.

“I am really afraid of them (Boko Haram). If you are not secured where you are, just better leave the place. I am still afraid of the zone, so I can’t let my people stay there,” another resident, Ngum Peter, said.