Life in a War Zone: My unforgettable Experience in Kumbo

Happy weekend steemit community. Walk with me through my experience living in a war zone. I recently traveled to Kumbo with my friend @mrspeaker237, a town in the North West region of Cameroon, with the intention of engaging in livestock trade. The town is known for its vibrant markets and high-quality cattle, which I hoped would boost my business. However, what was supposed to be a straightforward trip quickly turned into a harrowing experience due to the ongoing armed conflict, the "Anglophone Crisis" so to speak, but you didn't hear that from me.

Arriving, I could sense the tension in the air. Kumbo, like many parts of the North West region, fits the description of Mordor by Boromir in the lord of the rings movie franchise, that is, "...There is evil there that does not sleep, and the Great Eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire and ash and dust, the very air you breathe is a poisonous fume..." The crisis has put separatist groups against government forces, creating a dangerous environment for residents and visitors alike.

The day I arrived Kumbo was relatively peaceful, allowing me to conduct some business. However, the atmosphere changed dramatically when bullets began flying overhead the next afternoon. The sound of gunfire echoed through the town, and I quickly realized that the conflict had reached our immediate vicinity. The fear and chaos that ensued were inexplicable, with people scrambling for cover. Thanks to a local who noticed that me and my friend were strangers and pointed us to the direction of a back entrance of a hospital about a kilometer away where we sought cover. At one point I even abandoned the livestock at the market where I had bought it just to find safety before eventually sending for it later. Kumbo makes Bamenda looks like child's play, I'm not even kidding.

Given the sudden escalation of violence, I had no choice but to abandon my plans and leave Kumbo earlier than expected. The journey out of the town was full of anxiety, as the risk of encountering armed groups or being caught in crossfire was very real. This experience underscored the harsh realities faced by those living in war zones daily. Wherever you are, if you find peace please cherish it. You don't want to experience war, trust me.

My experience in Kumbo has left me with a deep appreciation for the resilience of its residents. They navigate constant danger and uncertainty, striving to maintain a semblance of normalcy amidst the turmoil. Do you know how football enthusiasts say football is not a game but a way of life? In Kumbo, gunshots, killings, and abductions are almost a way of life.
Just in case you didn't catch it, I really love "The Lord of the Rings" movies.
Catch you in the next one. Peace!!