Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kate Bih
Published on 2024-02-22 18:24:54
A fire incident has caused significant damage to the Bamenda main market this Thursday afternoon, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. The flames engulfed the area and numerous shops have been reduced to ashes as a result.
According to a source, the fire ignited around 5 pm at the main market entrance while traders were concluding their activities for the day. Despite the efforts of firefighters to contain the inferno, the intensity of the blaze proved challenging to control.
An estimated 40 shops have been affected by the fire, leading to a large crowd gathering around the market to witness the incident. Amid the chaos, a disturbing turn of events occurred when a young man allegedly attempted to pilfer items from the already-stricken shops. This act infuriated the crowd, leading to the young man being beaten to death by an angry mob.
The incident sheds light on the grim reality of vigilante justice prevailing in the country. A resident of Bamenda, speaking on condition of anonymity, remarked on the sad reality of jungle justice, stating that it is wrong for individuals, particularly youth, to seek justice without taking necessary precautions, and there remains uncertainty as to whether the young man was indeed a thief. Tragically, the identity of the deceased young man remains unknown, and he succumbed to the assault on the spot.
Efforts are ongoing to extinguish the lingering flames at the market, and the cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Tens of millions of French CFA have already been estimated to be lost, and there are indications that many more shops may succumb to the flames. The construction of the market itself poses additional challenges for the rescue teams attempting to extinguish the fire.
This incident marks the second significant fire in Bamenda since the beginning of the year, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and preventative measures within the community.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
