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61-Year-Old Man Killed as Bawku Death Toll Rises to 22
*Bawku, Upper East Region* — Tragedy struck Bawku again on Thursday as another resident lost his life to ongoing violent clashes in the region. A 61-year-old man, known to locals as Musah Yaro, was reportedly killed near the Zebilla-Bawku highway, bringing the official death toll to 22 since hostilities reignited earlier this year. Security officials have confirmed the fatality, though investigations are still ongoing to ascertain the full details surrounding the incident.
Eyewitnesses report that Musah Yaro was attacked while traveling to his farm in the early hours of the morning. The assailants, believed to be part of a militant group involved in the Bawku crisis, reportedly ambushed him on a remote path. Despite pleas from passersby for calm and safety, Yaro succumbed to injuries before he could be rushed to the hospital.
The incident has heightened tensions in Bawku, where a long-standing ethnic conflict has claimed multiple lives and displaced thousands of residents. The recent killing has left community members in fear and dismay, with many questioning when the violence will end. The Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has been working with national security agencies to de-escalate tensions and restore order, yet these efforts have met with mixed success amid entrenched hostilities.
REGSEC officials are urging residents to cooperate with security agencies by sharing intelligence that could help identify those responsible for Yaro’s death. The council also promised to intensify patrols in high-risk areas, hoping to prevent similar attacks. A spokesperson noted, "Our priority is to ensure the safety and security of all residents. We call on everyone to remain vigilant and assist in our efforts to bring an end to this cycle of violence."
In response to the rising violence, various peace-building initiatives have been launched to encourage dialogue between the warring factions. Religious and community leaders are actively participating in these efforts, urging a renewed commitment to non-violence and reconciliation.
For locals, however, each day brings fresh uncertainty as the violence continues unabated. Many residents have voiced concerns over their safety, as the cycle of retaliation remains unpredictable. Some have even taken refuge in neighboring regions, fearing further escalation in the coming weeks.
As Bawku grieves another tragic loss, calls for a lasting solution grow louder. Residents hope that dialogue, combined with enhanced security measures, will soon end the tragic toll the conflict has exacted on their community.
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