At least two persons are reported to have died in the city of Bamenda, capital of the North West Region of Cameroon following violent clashes between security forces and armed men on Tuesday.

At least one police officer and an armed fighter lost their lives in the shootout that resulted from the invasion of the town by the armed men in broad daylight.

Residents say the armed men invaded the town parading the streets with their motor cycles and guns around the Hospital Round about.

Many resident were forced to flee the streets as security forces launched a fightback which led to a prolonged shoot out as locals remained indoors.

Sources say the armed men had invaded the streets to force the population to respect the three-day ghost town which they recently imposed despite an earlier call by activists to respect ghost town only on Monday.

An uncertain calm has returned to the city with a timid resumption of activities as most residents still remain in panic. Noella, a resident who owns a shop at the Food martket told journalducameroun.com on Wednesday morning that she could only open her shop on Wednesday by midday after she had assurances that calm had returned. She however said it is a precarious calm as some shops are still close while the market is far cry from its normal buzz.