Killing of Bamenda II 2nd Deputy Mayor: Husband says she was his best friend and mother

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By Martial Gnoukapasi
blurred image of Mr Joko

Popularly called Pa Joko, Mr Joko Evaristus who turned 80 on January 1st of 2025 didn't have the luxury of celebrating his birthday with his sweetheart, whom he also acknowledged was his mother and best friend.

The evil hands of death had snatched Ma Joko Freda from this earth late 2024, after armed men, believe to be separatist fighters championing a course for an independent state in Cameroon, bundled her away from her savannah street residence in Bamenda on Saturday October 26, and killed in the late hours of Sunday October 27 2024.

It was at a visit initiated by elite of the North West region to condole with the family, that the widower Joko Evaristus, lamented on the vacuum created in his heart and family by men with smoking guns, whose violent actions have forced many to term the current conflict "senseless".

Speaking with a heavy heart he said:

"She was my friend, when we were still just joking with life thinking that we can come together, and finally we did.."

"She turned my wife and we had children, we were happy with the children and have been battling with them, i will continue with the battle because the children are not all that independent.."

"Finally she was my mother. She gave me all the necessary advise which I took and which I respected despite the ups and downs" .

While appreciating the dignitaries and neighbors for coming to sympathize with his family, he urged them to not leave without having a taste of 'Koki' and 'Cornchaff', two local dishes which were very unique of ma Joko's cuisine.

Dishes she'll often prepare and serve not just her family, but friends and guests each time they come knocking.

According to Pa Joko, many have advised him to leave town. A request he said he has turned down many times.

"Many have called me, saying Bamenda is not the right place for me now, but i told them i am 80 years now, i grew up here at old town - Bum Quarter in particular. Why should I not have this section of the town as my home and be happy and proud of" he said.

Sobbing at this point, he remarked that he will be happy to get all the support he can get now to help him cater for the family.

Born 1957 Mrs Joko Freda who leaves behind her husband, children and foster children, untill her killing, was second deputy mayor of the Bamenda II council and a staunch militant of the Cameroon's People Democratic Movement(CPDM) under the Mezam1B section.

Mezam1B Section President, Cletus Anye Matoya
Mayor Chenwi Peter of Bamenda II council

The above explains why the Mayor of Bamenda II council Chenwi Peter, accompanied by staff of the council as well as the section President for Mezam1B Cletus Anye Matoya, together with other cpdm militants answered present at the condolence ceremony.

Cameroon's Minister in charge of relations with the Commonwealth Mbayu Felix, used the occasion to send a strong message to separatist fighters.

"why you are killing under the influence of drugs, know that you are hurting mothers and fathers. we cannot continue to live this way, enough is enough" he said. 

Minister Mbayu Felix

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