Barely weeks after walking out of police custody over a previous theft case, a member of the prominent Mbakpenev family from Ugbaam has landed in fresh trouble, accused of stealing heavy machinery from a construction site in the heart of Zaki-Biam.
The incident happened Tuesday morning around 9:00 a.m. near Living Faith Church along the ever-busy Zaki-Biam–Wannune road. Eyewitnesses say the suspect was spotted loading a brand-new Caterpillar generator onto a waiting truck before alert residents raised the alarm. He reportedly abandoned the machine and fled towards Channels 2 area, but not before he was clearly identified.
The news has sent shockwaves through Ukum’s commercial capital, with traders and residents expressing outrage that the same individual, released only last month after a similar allegation, could strike again so boldly. Many are questioning how someone still under investigation for an earlier offence was allowed back on the streets without stricter monitoring.
Voices in the market and motor parks are now louder than ever, demanding that authorities move beyond mere arrests and ensure real accountability. “If big family names can repeatedly steal what belongs to the community and nothing serious happens, then Ukum has no future,” one angry trader told our correspondent.
Police sources in Zaki-Biam confirmed they are aware of the report and have launched a manhunt for the suspect. Community leaders have also say the matter has been formally escalated to the traditional council for additional sanctions.
As the sun sets over Yam Market tonight, the people of Zaki-Biam are left asking one question: how many more times must the same people offend before justice finally catches up?
