A batch of machetes, torch lights, protective vests, whistles and boots has been given by the authorities to 1,500 members of vigilante committees in the district of Mokolo (far north of Cameroon) to fight more effectively the Nigerian Islamic sect Boko Haram, reliable sources disclosed Monday.

The funds have been collected from local market traders who have been donating 100 CFA francs each, per week since last August.

About 410 traditional leaders and heads of vigilante committees of Mokolo pledged a few days ago, after a meeting with prefectural authorities, to increase their vigilance to defeat the jihadist movement.

They have been reminded to urgently denounce Boko Haram suspects and accomplices, communicate all relevant information to the security services and assist in compliance with the prefectural education which restricts movement of motorcycles in the area.

The sect killed 27 people, ten days ago in Ldamang, Lding-Lding and Ldubam three villages located in the district of Mokolo, on the border with Nigeria.