North West Governor, Adolphe Lele Lafrique on Wednesday August 23, 2018 visited Mile 7 Akum in Santa Sub division to assess the trucks of SOGEA SATOM that were burnt by unidentified gunmen on the night of August 22, 2018. SOGEA SATOM, a construction company, has been involved in the construction of the Bamenda – Babadjou road for more than two years now.

However, for some time now, some of their trucks were parked at the temporary parking station at mile 7 Akum. As narrated by one of guards Azamago Maxell, who was on duty that night, it was around 10 pm when more than 12 heavily armed men stormed the place and set the trucks ablaze. He said they were all asked to surrend their phones and torches.

Maxell narrated that they tied him up while the other guards were asked to lie on the floor. The security officer added that, while some of the gunmen were busy burning the trucks, others stood along the road to ensure that, no vehicle passed to disturbe their action. He added that when the gunmen finally left , Ezekiel Penn Tah one of the guards took his bike and went to their base and alerted other workers who further alerted the security forces.

They hurried to the scene and helped in putting off the fire. On the scene of the incident, Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique condemned the act and declared that investigations have been opened and the perpetrators will be brought to book.

He added that the act will in no way hinder the works on the road as construction work will resume on the road after the rains. Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique used the opportunity to visit the quarry and other work sites of the company and promised that security will be stepped up in all the work site along the Bamenda- Babajou road.

While evaluating the damage, the director of project of SOGEA SATOM Didier Bafakan said four trucks were completely burnt while two others were partially burnt. He said the evaluation process is still going but the damages are estimated at about FCFA 500 million.