Gunmen stormed a school in Kumba, South West Cameroon, killing at least eight children and wounding 12 more, according to the United Nations.
According to reports, the name of the school is Mother Francisca International Bilingual Academy in the city of Kumba, on Saturday, at midday.
The United Nations described the attack as “the worst atrocity” since the resumption of the school year earlier this month.
It is still not clear if the attack was linked to a continuing struggle clash between armed groups in the English speaking South West region seeking to break out of the government.
“At least eight children were killed as a result of gunshots and attack with machetes. Another twelve were wounded and taken to local hospitals,” the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement.
Some children were reportedly injured jumping from second -storey windows as the gunmen were dressed like civilians.
Videos circulating on social media filmed by local journalists appeared to show adults rushing from the school with children in their arms, surrounded by wailing onlookers.
Reuter new agency has verified one photo of the tragic incident, showing the inside of the classroom, with blood and slippers on the floor.
Local education official Ahhim Abanaw Obase, has confirmed six deaths of children aged between 12 and 14 year old and added that another eight had been taken to hospital.
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