West Region:  Baboate family dispute leaves four hospitalized, properties destroyed  

Four were hospitalized, an apartment set on fire, cars burned to ashes, and houses demolished- this is the outcome of the dispute that started on November 9, 2022, someone with knowledge of the matter told Cameroon News Agency.

Elements at the Banka Gendarmerie brigade in the Upper Nkam Division of the West region are finding it difficult to resolve the family dispute in Baboaté, village.

It started like a normal disagreement but later turned chaotic, resulting in the burning down of an apartment, a vehicle, and the demolition of houses, in the family compound.

 At least four people have been hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the family altercation, we were told.

According to a member of a local vigilante group in Baboaté, one of the family members after several fruitless efforts to chase away his brothers and sisters from the family compound, hired about 40 men from Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital, to demolish houses in the family compound.

Furious, other family members whose houses were being demolished by the hired thugs retaliated by burning their brother’s apartment and vehicle.

“They came about 40 in number from Douala destroying homes of other family members in the compound. It is unacceptable. We couldn’t stand and watch them. As vigilantes with the duty to maintain order and protect the people of this locality and their properties, we had to intervene when we were alerted.” Explained a vigilante.

Four of the hired men from Douala were apprehended by members of the local vigilante group for propagating the already wild family squabble.

The four men were beaten to near death. Their wounded landed them in the Bafang District hospital. To ensure they do not escape, they were chained to their hospital beds.

Meantime, the Banka Gendarmerie Brigade officials are still carrying out investigations for a final solution to the family crisis.