Omanghana
A 35-year-old yam farmer has been arrested by the Dambai Divisional Police Command after allegedly shooting and killing a man suspected of stealing produce from his farm in the Oti Region.
The incident reportedly occurred around midnight on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Abongo No. 1, a farming community in the Krachi East Municipality.
The farmer, identified as Kwabena Badam, was reportedly keeping watch over his farm when he allegedly spotted the unidentified man attempting to steal a sack of harvested yams. A confrontation reportedly followed, during which Badam allegedly opened fire and killed the suspected thief at the scene.
Sources familiar with the incident said the farmer had become increasingly frustrated over repeated thefts from his land. He had reportedly lodged several complaints with local police regarding the persistent disappearance of yams and other produce from the farm.
The recurring losses allegedly prompted Badam to spend the night on the property in an attempt to protect his harvest and catch those believed to be behind the thefts. It remains unclear whether the deceased was armed or whether there was a physical struggle before the shooting.
After the incident, the farmer reportedly travelled to the Dambai Police Station and voluntarily surrendered himself to officers. He was subsequently arrested and placed in custody to assist investigators in establishing the precise sequence of events.
Police officers later visited the farm to examine the scene and gather evidence. Investigators are expected to determine the type of firearm used, whether it was legally possessed and the number of shots allegedly fired during the encounter.
The deceased’s body was removed from the farm and transported to the Worawora Government Hospital Mortuary, where it is being preserved pending identification and an autopsy. The examination is expected to help establish the exact cause of death and provide additional evidence for the investigation.
The identity of the deceased had not been confirmed at the time of reporting. Some residents reportedly asked officers for permission to view the body bag in the hope of identifying him, but the police declined the request, citing the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are expected to follow established procedures to identify the deceased and contact his relatives. Residents who may have information about the victim or the circumstances surrounding the incident could also be invited to assist investigators.
Badam remains in police custody and has not yet been formally convicted of any offence. The investigation will determine whether criminal charges will be filed against him and what charges may be appropriate.
Although the deceased was suspected of stealing yams, the allegation has not been proven in court. Investigators will therefore have to establish whether a theft was taking place and whether the farmer’s use of deadly force was justified under the circumstances.
The case has generated discussion within the community about persistent crop theft and the risks farmers face while protecting their livelihoods. It has also raised concerns about individuals taking the law into their own hands rather than reporting suspected offenders to the appropriate authorities.
Police investigations remain ongoing, with further developments expected after the deceased is formally identified, the autopsy is completed and statements are taken from relevant witnesses.
Source: Omanghana
