Death Toll Rises After Ndogbati-Douala Arson Attack

Remains Of Arson Attack Victims

By Raymond Dingana 

The devastating arson attack in the Ndogbati neighborhood of Douala has now claimed four lives, two children,and two adults. The death toll has risen with the passing of 39-year-old Lewou Pierre on June 12, 2024.

Lewou succumbed to his injuries at the Douala General Hospital, four days after his house was set ablaze allegedly by his neighbor, Joseph Ngounou.

Lewou and his wife sustained severe burns in the fire, which also claimed the life of their child.

The tragedy unfolded when Lewou acted as a Good Samaritan, helping Ngounou's wife Alida escape domestic violence on the night of June 8. Ngounou is said to have threatened to kill his wife and anyone sheltering her.

"Lewou Pierre was a calm and peace-loving person. Everyone is devastated. Many who came to the hospital to check on him are shocked," 

lamented Lewou's grieving mother.

Dr. Mendomo, the physician who treated Lewou and his wife, described their critical condition upon arrival.

 "Lewou and his wife were brought here in a bad state with burns covering 60% and 23% of their bodies respectively. We admitted them to the emergency unit and began immediate treatment, but despite our best efforts, Lewou could not be saved."

Lewou's wife, aged 31, remains in a precarious state, battling for her life.

 "She has severe burns, mostly on her face, which can affect her breathing. She also inhaled toxic smoke, which could lead to respiratory complications and organ damage. We are monitoring her closely,"

 Dr. Mendomo added.

The grief-stricken family now hopes that the the person they believe to be the perpetrator, Joseph Ngounou, who has gone into hiding, will be apprehended and make to face the full force of the law.

"I wish our defense and security forces, with their professionalism, would lay hands on this criminal and ensure he is punished severely for the heinous crime he committed,"

 said Diane Marceline, Lewou's sister.

It should be noted that Ngounou's wife Alida had previously threatened to leave him due to domestic violence. Alida had reported the incidents of Gender-Based Violence to the authorities, but no action was taken to address the situation. 

On the fateful day, Alida had visited a friend's house. Ngounou arrived, locked the door from the outside, and set the house on fire. By the time neighbors could intervene, the damage had already been done. Tragically, both Alida, her child, and the friend's child perished in the fire, while Ngounou fled the scene.

The Ndogbati community is in mourning, and the search for justice continues as the authorities work to bring the suspected arsonist to justice.

drayinfos.com

For any inquiries, WhatsApp us on+237676238865