Gushiegu (NR), Sept. 03, GNA - Grief, crying and wailing of women and children characterised the gloomy atmosphere at Gushiegu on Tuesday to welcome members of the Northern Regional Security Council led by Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, Regional Minister who visited the strife-torn area.

Displaced nursing mothers, the aged, children and other residents were still fleeing the town, while those who stayed back were not certain about their fate since they had no place to sleep and others claimed their husbands could not be traced.

Two gentlemen, Aminu Kwebena and Mohammed Shagnu openly accused Mr. Abukari Mahama, Gushiegu District Chief Executive (DCE) in the presence of the Regional Minister for being the brain behind the arson that took place and claimed three lives.

They volunteered to give evidence to the police on the alleged involvement of the DCE.

Alhaji Idris however, asked the police to invite them to Tamale to give evidence and gave the assurance that their safety would ensured and advised the public to volunteer information to ensure that the culprits were brought to book. So far, three persons including a sub-chief have been confirmed dead by REGSEC while unconfirmed reports put the death toll at seven and some 23 houses completely burnt down. Seven vehicles and three houses belonging to Alhaji Mahama Jamoni, the NDC Gushiegu constituency chairman have been completely burnt to ashes while several other houses belonging to other individuals have also been burnt down. Alhaji Idris expressed dissatisfaction about the destruction and said everything would be done to ensure that calm returned to Gushiegu. Mr. Abukari Mahama, the DCE denied any involvement and indicated that he was at Yendi at the time of the destruction and asked whoever had information on the incident to come forward to prove it.