Gov’t Must Take Immediate Action to End Violence and Insecurity in Bawku – Mamprugu Overlord
The Overlord of Mamprugu, Na Bohaga Abdulai Mahami Sheriga, has urged the government to take swift and firm action to curb the ongoing violence, banditry, and domestic terrorism affecting the Bawku Traditional Area in the Upper East Region. He expressed concern over rising insecurity, including attacks on state security forces and the increasing presence of armed groups along the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Poulimakom highways.
Speaking during a press conference at his palace in Nalerigu, the Nayiri highlighted recent incidents of unrest involving confrontations between Kusasi youth and the police. This tension escalated following the death of a Kusasi youth leader during a protest against alleged police bias. The unrest led to violent attacks, including the burning of police barracks and homes of senior officers, as well as assaults on police stations in nearby towns.
Two police officers lost their lives, and two others, including an immigration officer, sustained injuries. The Inspector General of Police’s vehicle was also damaged in a bandit attack during a peace mission to the area.
The Nayiri extended condolences to the families of the deceased officers and called for justice. He also urged the government to urgently restore peace and stability in Bawku by boosting security presence, supplying adequate logistics, and addressing the concerns of security personnel deployed in the area. He emphasized that while increased security investment may be expensive, it is necessary to avoid the higher cost of prolonged instability.
He further called on authorities to empower security forces by ensuring their independence from political interference, so they can effectively combat the criminal elements threatening peace in the region. The Nayiri also condemned the restriction of movement caused by armed groups and urged the government to guarantee free trade and safe travel, particularly for traders from neighboring Burkina Faso and Togo.
Addressing the youth of Mamprugu, the Overlord urged calm and restraint, asking them to respect the rule of law and support efforts toward lasting peace. He concluded by stressing the need for urgent national attention to restore Bawku as a peaceful and thriving center of commerce.
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