February 13, 2024, Ikata, Muyuka, Fako State, Southern Ambazonia: CAMEROON OCCUPATION FORCES launched a ruthless assault on civilians. Under direct orders to execute indiscriminate violence, they mercilessly opened fire on unarmed residents, particularly targeting young males. This brutal attack resulted in the deaths of four innocent young men, severe injuries to several others, and the forceful abduction of dozens, who remain unlawfully detained under ransom demands. The Ikata Muyuka Massacre is yet another example of the systematic violence perpetrated against the Ambazonian people.

Violation of INTERNATIONAL LAWS: The Targeting of Civilians
The Ikata Muyuka Massacre constitutes a War Crime under INTERNATIONAL LAWS, particularly the Geneva Conventions. The deliberate targeting of civilians and non-combatants is explicitly prohibited under Article 3 of these conventions. The CAMEROON OCCUPATION FORCES’ directive to “shoot to kill any male” in a civilian-inhabited area demonstrates a blatant disregard for the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. The mass killing of unarmed individuals in Ikata Muyuka directly violates the right to life and security, a core tenet of human rights law.

Unlawful Detention and Hostage-Taking in Ikata Muyuka
Beyond the indiscriminate killings, the Ikata Muyuka Massacre also involved the forceful abduction and illegal detention of civilians. CAMEROON OCCUPATION FORCES have demanded ransom for their release, a direct violation of Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which criminalizes unlawful confinement and hostage-taking. These actions not only undermine international protections against arbitrary detention but also expose the systematic persecution and exploitation of Ambazonians under the occupation.

Crimes Against Humanity and the Weaponization of Fear
The Ikata Muyuka Massacre reflects a broader pattern of crimes against humanity committed by CAMEROON OCCUPATION FORCES. The targeted killings, arbitrary arrests, and enforced disappearances aim to instill fear and suppress resistance among the Ambazonian people. Such acts constitute serious breaches of INTERNATIONAL LAWS, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention and accountability to prevent further atrocities in Ambazonia.