Bawku Conflict: Eight Killed as Gunmen Block Bolgatanga-Tamale Highway
In a tragic escalation of violence in the troubled Bawku area, eight people have been killed by armed assailants who blocked the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway on Friday. The attack, which occurred near the Pwalugu stretch of the highway, left several others injured and disrupted traffic for hours, further heightening tension in the region.
According to eyewitness accounts, the gunmen mounted roadblocks at strategic points and indiscriminately fired at vehicles plying the route. This act of violence sent shockwaves across the region, as terrified commuters fled into the bush for safety. Among the deceased were two women and a child, who were reportedly traveling to Tamale for medical care.
Security sources confirmed the incident, stating that a joint team of police and military personnel has been deployed to the area to restore calm and pursue the perpetrators. The sources revealed that the attack appeared to be well-coordinated, with the gunmen escaping before security reinforcements arrived.
“This is a tragic incident, and we are treating it as a high-priority case. Efforts are underway to apprehend those responsible and ensure such acts do not recur,” a senior security officer said on condition of anonymity.
The renewed violence has drawn widespread condemnation from various stakeholders, including civil society organizations and political leaders. The Kusaug People’s Congress (KPC) issued a statement describing the attack as “barbaric” and called on the government to take swift action to end the recurring violence in Bawku and its environs.
Similarly, the Mamprugu Youth Association (MYA) urged calm while emphasizing the need for dialogue and peaceful coexistence among the people of the region. “We cannot allow violence to continue tearing apart families and communities. We must find a lasting solution to the underlying issues fueling these attacks,” the group’s spokesperson stated.
The Bolgatanga-Tamale highway is a vital link between the Upper East and Northern Regions, serving as a major route for the transportation of goods and people. The latest incident has disrupted economic activities and raised fears of further instability in the area.
The Bawku conflict, rooted in a long-standing chieftaincy dispute, has resulted in numerous casualties and displacements over the years. Despite various peace initiatives, sporadic clashes and violent incidents continue to plague the region, with innocent lives often caught in the crossfire.
Residents and local leaders are calling for increased security presence and the implementation of lasting solutions to address the root causes of the conflict. Meanwhile, the government has assured the public that it is committed to restoring peace and security in Bawku and its surrounding areas.
As investigations continue, families of the victims are left mourning their loss, while the community grapples with yet another tragic reminder of the urgent need for peace in the region. Ok
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