The locality of Tatum in Bui division of the North West Region is said to be completely deserted as resident seek refuge from a military crackdown as a result of the beheading of a paramilitary officer in the area.

Orders had been given for the gendarmes to stay in the camps but the officer is reported to have violated it and went out drinking before returning to spend the night in his house where he was cornered and beheaded.

Sources say a confrontation later ensued between security forces and suspected armed men on Saturday in Tatum, Nkum sub division leading to the killing of at least four armed as a result.

The Divisional Officer of Nkum is said to have ordered for the deployment of more troops in the area while some residents have accused the military of burning down houses as well as businesses in the market square as a result of Saturday’s incident.