Former President John Dramani Mahama Urges Traditional Leaders and Government Intervention to Restore Peace in Chieftaincy Dispute
Former President John Dramani Mahama has called for immediate action from the Overlords of Mamprugu and Gonjaland, as well as the Paramount Chiefs of the Soo and Wasipe Traditional Areas, to intervene and restore calm in a chieftaincy dispute. Mahama also appealed to the Ministers for Chieftaincy, National Security, Interior, and Defence, as well as the North East & Savanna Regional Security Councils, to take urgent measures in resolving the conflict and bringing peace back to the region.
Expressing his commitment to assisting in any way possible, Mahama assured the people of Mamprugu and Gonjaland of his readiness to contribute to achieving lasting peace in the area.
Meanwhile, the police have made three arrests and are actively pursuing other individuals in connection with violent attacks on the Mempeasem and Lukula communities in the Savannah Region. The incidents are linked to ongoing disputes over land and chieftaincy. On May 30, 2023, a group of around fifty individuals attacked the Mempeasem community, resulting in the kidnapping of a 50-year-old man. When the police arrived at the scene, the perpetrators fled into the bush. Fortunately, the kidnapped victim was rescued, and the police seized an AK-47 weapon, 14 rounds of ammunition, seven motorbikes, and two bicycles from the site. A subsequent search in the area led to the discovery of a bag containing 240 AK-47 ammunition rounds.
On June 1, 2023, the police received a distress call reporting an attack on the Lukula community while conducting patrols in the area. A gang, engaged in destructive activities such as house burnings and random shootings, opened fire on the police upon their arrival. The police swiftly retaliated and successfully apprehended three suspects: Razak Sulemana, Musah Shanun, and Karim Abdul Rafiuw. During the arrest, the suspects sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving medical treatment.
A search carried out on the suspects led to the discovery of one pump action gun, two single barrel guns, a long knife, 80 live cartridges, as well as talismans and cowries.
After restoring peace in the community, the police received information regarding the alleged shooting of an 81-year-old man on his farm by the rampaging gang. The police, accompanied by the man’s children, visited the farm and transported him to the hospital. Unfortunately, the authorities pronounced him deceased upon arrival. The body has been preserved at the hospital for further examination through an autopsy.
After the arrests of the suspects, a group of individuals believed to be sympathizers of the arrested individuals launched an attack on the Daboya Police Station. The attackers caused damage to parked vehicles and louvre blades within the police barracks. However, the police successfully resisted the assault and regained control of the situation.
Following the incident, peace has been restored, and security measures have been bolstered in Daboya and the neighboring communities to prevent any further attacks. Ongoing efforts are being made to apprehend the perpetrators involved in the attack on the police station, ensuring they are brought to justice.
Leave feedback about this