A violent clash has erupted in the locality of Kouoptamo, Noun Division of the West Region of Cameroon, after businessman Kouotou Oumarou bought large hectares of farm land under controversial circumstances.
The land acquisition, reportedly approved by traditional authorities and local administrative leaders, has sparked unrest among villagers.
Information reaching MMI reports that Oumarou’s private militia, armed with clubs and cutlasses, attacked several villagers working on their farms.
The militia allegedly aimed to intimidate the locals into surrendering their land.
These lands have been the lifeline for many families in the primarily agricultural community.
According to local sources, many people sustained injuries during the violent encounters and are receiving treatment in hospitals.
The injured included people of all genders who resisted leaving their fields.
Residents accuse the businessman of using his influence and force to displace them from ancestral lands.
They say the move might exacerbate tensions in the locality if authorities do not intervene fast.
Many villagers argue that their chief neither consulted nor compensated them for the lands sold to Oumarou.
“We cannot understand how the authorities who are supposed to protect us are siding with the businessman. This is our land, and we will not give it up without a fight,” said a troubled villager, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal.
Local authorities are yet to comment on the issues.
As tensions continue to rise, observers fear that the administrative silence may lead to further violence.
