Gendarmes in Yaoundé have arrested 14 suspects linked to the dangerous armed gang known as “microbes”, hours after members of the gang terrorised traders at the popular Mokolo market.
The Mfoundi Gendarmerie Group arrested the suspects after raiding the Mokolo neighbourhood, where gang members had taken refuge following the market attack on Thursday evening.
The Gendarmerie said it seized two machetes, one penknife, and one knife from the suspects, some of whom it said came from Douala, where “microbes” has previously carried out attacks on city dwellers.
“The suspects were taken into custody at the group. The investigation continues in search of other members of the gang,” the Gendarmerie said.
“However, the National Gendarmerie urges the public not to panic and to call 113 in case of distress or to go to the nearest Gendarmerie Unit,” it added.
Thursday’s assault on the Mokolo Market, one of the biggest markets in Central Africa, was the first attack by microbes in the city.
A gang of young men primarily based in Douala attacks and robs citizens in broad daylight using machetes and knives.
Their activities gained traction last year after they rained terror on the Cité des Palmiers neighbourhood in the Douala V Subdivision on October 6. They robbed and injured several citizens and even occupied entire buildings before security forces intervened.
Government officials like Stéphane Nké, Divisional Officer of the Douala II Subdivision where several microbe attacks have occurred, describe the gang as “bandits under the influence of toxic substances like drugs.”
