A horrific incident has shaken the community of Lated, a locality in the Bamboutous division, West Region of Cameroon after a young man allegedly killed his father in a drug-induced rage.
26-year-old Arnauld Ismael Téné reportedly attacked his 70-year-old father in the family compound last Sunday. Details remain unclear, but local reports describe the scene as a “butchery.”
The victim’s wife, Elize, recounted a chilling history of threats. “They were once close,” she says, “but the drugs changed him. He threatened to take our lives on several occasions.”
Ismael’s behavior was not a secret within the community. The traditional ruler of Lated 2, speaking to state media Crtv, revealed that Ismael had become a source of fear. “Just a week ago, his father came to me complaining about threats made with a cutlass,” he said. “I urged him to report it to the police, but sadly, it never came to that.”
Ismael Téné is currently in police custody at the Mbouda territorial brigade. He awaits trial as authorities investigate the crime. The body of his father has been transported to the mortuary.
This tragedy is not an isolated incident, as there have been several cases in Cameroon of people killing family members. While this is unique as it is related to drug abuse, it serves as a cogent reminder of the devastating impact of drug abuse. Mental health resources and support systems are crucial in preventing similar incidents.
