Bawku Conflict: Death Increases to 17 After Fresh Violence

Bawku has been a battleground, occasioning tragic losses as the new tensions have not seized. The most recent is 31-year-old Tahiru Danbala, a Forex Bureau trader, who was as he made his way between communities. His death brings the rising toll to 17, including seven women, all caught in the renewed violence that has swept through Bawku since last Friday.

This violence is because of the return of a rival chief, Alhaji Seidu Abagre, who had been in exile. His return brought old grievances to the fore, culminating in clashes and ambushes against travelers. Since his return, eight more people have been killed against a record of many injuries. This makes the situation worse and calls for practical conflict resolution.

This crisis has brought forth very serious implications on the daily living of the residents in Bawku: schools have had to be closed down, and local businesses have come to a halt as a result of families living in fear to venture outside. The Interior Ministry has imposed a curfew from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM, which was started on Monday. This came after an emergency meeting presided over by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and National Security officials toward restoring order and saving civilian lives.

 Until lasting solutions are achieved, the life and future of the people living in Bawku remain uncertain, with the hope that one day dialogue and diplomacy can finally put an end to the tragic cycle of violence.