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Following renewed chieftaincy clashes in Lukula, North Gonja District, the Regional Security Councils of Savannah and North East Regions have deployed military and police personnel to the area. The clashes have resulted in the death of seven individuals.
Yidana Zakaria, the Chairman of the North East Regional Security Council and Regional Minister, stated that the joint security team is diligently working to restore peace in the region. “Savannah and North East have dispatched security personnel to the area,” he confirmed. While he expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the deployed personnel, the security councils have yet to receive a detailed briefing on the current situation. The decision to deploy security forces came after members of the Gonja and Mamprusi tribes clashed, leading to casualties and injuries.
The clashes began on Thursday, June 1. Among the deceased is Naa Salifu Nachinaa, the 70-year-old Mamprusi chief of the Kuwerigu Community, who was fatally shot at his residence by unknown assailants. Because of the violence, several homes have been set on fire, and residents have fled the area because of safety concerns.
Adam Elliasu, the District Chief Executive of the area, stated in an interview that the number of residents who have evacuated the site is currently unknown. There is no available data on the extent of the damage caused. Providing insights into the underlying cause of the clashes, Elliasu explained, “It is an ongoing issue for over 40 years, resurfacing every year and requiring security intervention to restore peace.” He further disclosed that a few months ago, both the police and military were present for two weeks, which resulted in a calm situation. However, rumors of clashes emerged again last Friday or Saturday.
“We witnessed nothing, but the police were already present. On Monday or Tuesday, we received information that the situation was escalating, prompting us to increase the number of police personnel. When the threat escalated further, we deployed additional security personnel from Daboya to provide support,” Elliasu added.
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Source: Omanghana.com
