Police in the Upper East Region have confirmed the arrest of four individuals in Bawku following renewed violent clashes on Friday, 10th January, which resulted in the deaths of two residents. The arrests were made as part of a military-led operation aimed at curbing the escalating violence in the area. During the operation, eight assault rifles and a significant amount of ammunition were seized by security forces.
Ethnic Conflict Fuels Violence
The recent violence in Bawku was reportedly triggered by a deadly ambush on a passenger bus on Monday, which left several people injured. The attack is believed to be linked to the ongoing ethnic tensions between rival factions in the region, particularly between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups.
Sources within the military and police have disclosed that the oldest among the arrested suspects is 25 years old, with two of them being just 15 years of age. This underscores the troubling involvement of minors in the violent conflict. Furthermore, it has been reported that armed gangs in Bawku are using military-grade rifles, raising concerns about the potential for further bloodshed due to the lethality of the weapons involved.
Death Toll Rises as Conflict Intensifies
The death toll from the ongoing conflict has now reached 41 since renewed clashes began in October 2024. The violence, primarily rooted in chieftaincy disputes, continues to have a devastating impact on the local population, with residents living in constant fear. Socio-economic activities in Bawku and its surrounding communities have been severely disrupted, further exacerbating the suffering of the people.
Efforts to End the Protracted Conflict
Bawku has long been a hotspot for ethnic tensions, with periodic clashes disrupting the peace in the region. Despite multiple interventions by successive governments, the situation remains volatile, with sporadic outbreaks of violence continuing to undermine stability. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, but the persistence of the conflict raises concerns about the future of the region.
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