Bawku shooting blamed on lack of vigilance

Conflict resolution expert, Emmanuel Bombandey has attributed this week's gun violence in Bawku, in which one person died, to a lack of vigilance by security personnel in the Bawku municipality.

One person was shot dead last night and three others injured but police are unable to explain what may have sparked the violence.

Police say they are surprised by the latest incidents, explaining the municipality has been generally peaceful. The development has prompted security chiefs in the municipality to summon a meeting to come up with solutions to the latest acts of violence.

But Emmanuel Bombandey believes vigilance and strict enforcement of the law ought to have been maintained in spite of the relative peace in the area.

He says that if that had been done, it could have deterred the criminals from engaging in violent acts.

“It is not about the protracted issue that in itself, has been inter-ethnic, but it is about the level of vigilance that constantly let people know that they will be held accountable as individuals when they take weapons and shoot at others.”

He said another important step to take in bringing peace to the area, is to deepen the level of trust and confidence among the people.

Joy News correspondent Albert Sori reported on the Midday News that calm has returned to the municipality and people are out doing their normal duties.

According to Sori, security chiefs have also intensified their patrols in the area ahead of a thorough plan to be mapped out at a meeting.