By WIFAH J. NDE
In what observers termed as sensational and downhearted, the moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, PCC, The Rt Rev. Samuel Fonki Foba while praying with students of Presbyterian Secondary School, PSS, Bafut who recently suffered an arson attack during his tour to Presbyterian schools in the Northwest region last November 2, 2017 implored all to give young Cameroonians a chance to prepare for their future.
His visit was on the heels of an arson attack on the institution at about 6am on November 1, 2017. A portion of the Form 3&4 girls’ dormitory was put on flames but timely intervention from security forces prevented it from escalating. But for some material damages, no person was injured.
Speaking during his one hour consolatory meeting with the students of PSS Bafut, the proprietor of all Presbyterian schools in Cameroon congratulated the students for the courage and intervention during the fire incident. He enjoined them to remain steadfast in their pursuit for knowledge and fine-tuning their future.
He was visibly disappointed that a political struggle is being used victimize students with emotions overriding reason. The prelate condemned in strong terms this attacks on the church and the future of innocent young Cameroonians promising that, “….let them burn all the infrastructure, we shall study under the trees for the future is what we build today and that we must build” he declared.
“It is a divine responsibility of the church; I cannot deny you the right to go to school. If they want to burn me, let them burn me, I cannot deny young Cameroonians the right to a future. If this is the price we have to pay for your future, we are ready for it” the moderator added.
He promised the students a quick reconstruction of their dormitory before November runs out and donation of some material to those who were directly affected by attack in the days ahead. Beyond this, he promised the students that together with the entire church, they shall continue praying for them. He later visited PSS Nkwen, PSS Mankon and Christian Protestant College, CPC Bali which have suffered similar attacks during this academic.
Speaking earlier, the Education Secretary of the PCC, Njie Samuel did not shelter his feelings as he lamented bitterly on the act, thundering that “this act is lamentable, an assault and attack on the church”.
“If students cannot go to school for one and two years then we are preparing animals and devils” the Education Secretary lamented. He further told the students to suspect every strange person, blow their whistles and report any evil one who attacks them. He called on them to pray and chase every evil spirit. “Let the spirit of the ghosts return to the cemetery” he added.