A special military operation targeting a notorious drug hideout in Old Town Bamenda on Monday evening left four people dead and at least five others arrested.
The operation began with soldiers storming a specific building, which has harboured the illicit drug activities for several months.
Witnesses reported that the soldiers expanded their search by knocking on doors and forcibly entering several properties, including the premises of Vision FM Radio.
“I received a call from neighbors that the soldiers had forcefully opened the door of the radio station. When I arrived that same night, I discovered that someone had taken a laptop and a bag filled with other gadgets, while all the drawers stood open’, said Akum Emmanuel, CEO of Vision FM Radio.
Locals reported that one individual died instantly, while three others who suffered gunshot wounds later passed away. The identities of the deceased have not been disclosed.
Eyewitnesses say the raid left many in the community terrified. “It was chaotic. We didn’t know what was happening. The soldiers were everywhere, and the sound of gunshots was frightening,” said a resident who requested anonymity.
This is not the first time security forces have targeted drug consumers and dealers in the area. Despite repeated crackdowns, the drug trade in Bamenda continues to thrive, raising concerns about the effectiveness of such interventions.
Residents have expressed frustration with the persistent problem, calling for more strategic and sustainable measures to curb the sale and consumption of drugs in well known neighborhoods like Old Town, New Layout.
Reactions
“This is a wake-up call for authorities to find a lasting solution. The issue of drugs is destroying our youths and putting everyone in constant danger,” said another resident.
The incident has also reignited discussions on the need for a balanced approach to address the drug crisis, including community education, rehabilitation programs, and more intentional community efforts.
“If the quarter head of Ntambah 1 does not take measures to chase away those selling and consuming, then the rumours that the quarter council members are accomplices will be true, it is too much” said another resident.
The aftermath of the operation has left the Old Town population rather happy as they have for some time been facing harassment from the drug consumers.
” It’s not been long that I was almost harassed by one of the ladies who consume these drugs. I was on my way home after the days sales” said a bar owner.
“It is good that the soldiers have acted swiftly. Our children have all become torns in our flesh” said Amina, a woman whose son’s are still recovering from drug addiction.
