Attack on Bamenda III council: council will continue serving population – Mayor

The Mayor of Bamenda III council in Mezam division, North West region has revealed that the council will continue to render services to the population of the municipality, despite the recent fire attack on the council hall.

Mayor Fongu Cletus Tanwie made the declaration recently during an interview with the press.

According to the Mayor, the fire incident which consumed the entire council hall started at about 12am. He added that the attack forced the armless guards who were at the building to flee.

“At about 12am, I was called by the security company who is in charge of securing the council that my office was on fire. I immediately alerted the security forces and the administration on what was happening and the population of this area had to be up the whole night to see how we could contain the fire,” Mayor Fongu said.

The armed men whose identities are yet to be known, reportedly visited the council premise and set the council hall on fire. The Mayor also said the administrative block of the building was saved thanks to the immediate intervention of the population and security forces. The Mayor added that material damages caused by the fire is huge as the electrical system, generator, chairs are some other valuables were consumed by the fire.
While asseessing the material damage, Mayor Fongu said the divisional delegate for urban development visited the site to take record of all the damages.

The Mayor also said measures are being taken to make sure that the Bamenda III council remains functional and continues rendering services to the population.

“We have already taken measures to make sure that the functioning of the council is not disturbed.” He also said a project to fence the entire council structure is already underway, adding that security forces have promised to track down those who committed the act.

While reacting to the incident, Fon Azehfor III of Nkwen termed the act as barbaric. He said no development can be possible in the municipality if the population does not stand to protect what belongs to them.

“This is more than the word terrible that we destroy what the state has put in place for the benefit of the community. It’s very very bad and we condem it,” Fon Azehfor III said.

The Traditional Ruler encouraged the population of the community to continue working together with neighbours, quarterheads for peace and normalcy to completely return in the region.