Littoral governor tightens security measures over escalating violence

By Ndumbe Bell Joseph Gaston in Douala

Escalating violence currently perpetrated by some youths in the city of Douala has ignited outrage across the entire population, triggering the mobilisation of security operatives and other public authorities. This follows strict instructions outlined by the governor of the Littoral region, Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Deboua.  The move was motivated after the recent stabbing of a man to death by a group of youths called “microbes” who launched an attack said to have taken place on September 20 in Bali and Bonapriso residential areas.

The so called ‘microbes’ have their membership selected between the ages of 12 to 19 and this group, now a phenomenon which is known to have started in 2020, is made of hardened criminals armed with machetes, daggers, spears and even guns. When they face any crack down, they die out temporarily and resurface during key peak seasons such as the end and beginning of the year, during continental games and other bonanzas.

In addressing the public on the issue, Governor Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Deboua pronounced stark warnings to any persons with similar diabolic motives, and to the youths, he said serious consequences await those involved. He declared on a September 24 press conference that 8 out of 17 of the attackers have been nabbed.

Further, the Governor said he had given instructions to Divisional Officers and security operatives to mop up operations in their jurisdictions and file back reports.

In another dimension, the Littoral Governor cautioned the public to take to personal preventive measures and encouraged them to report suspicious cases in their areas. He appealed and reminded the population that everyone should be the security officer for the other and then work hand in glove with security officers for security to be effective. He emphasised that, “In a city like Douala, one must take their own precautionary measures and avoid drawing attention (of the public) to yourself.”

He also dismissed claims that the city had become unlivable. “That is an image some people want to project of Douala but it is not accurate. I want to re-iterate to the people of Douala that the law will always prevail. Those who wish to perpetrate the atmosphere will inevitably find themselves caught up in some form of complicity”.

The ‘microbes’ are noted to have broken into homes and engaged looting in the past.