Two killed in Gonja-Tampulma clash

Two people have died in clashes between Gonjas and Tampulmas in the Northern Region.

The unfortunate incident happened at Dissah, a community in the North Gonja District.

The police said they arrested the son of the Wasipewura and transported him to Tamale, the regional capital, for further investigations.

The deceased have been identified as John Bikari, 45, who was hit by a bullet, as well as a 91-year old woman, Damah Kara, who was burnt in her house.

According to the Northern Regional Police Command, some 35 houses have been burnt and residents of the community are currently seeking shelter in Lingbinsi.

Information available to DAILY GUIDE indicates that some armed men, numbering about 50, and using motorbikes entered the community and attacked residents.

They burnt their houses and fired gunshots sporadically in the process.

The Northern Regional Police PRO, ASP Mohammed Yussif Tanko, who confirmed the incident to DAILY GUIDE, described the attacks as retaliatory.

He said there were reports of an earlier attack on some men who had been sent by Daboyawura to the community belonging to the Tampulmas.

According to the Police PRO, the attack angered the other faction which resulted in a counter attack that led to the death of the two persons.

He said security personnel have since been deployed to restore normalcy to the area.

Salifu Sa-eed, the Northern Regional Minister, who also doubles as the REGSEC chairman, said the security agencies should not shield anyone who will be found culpable, adding that the law must be allowed to take its course.

The Regional Minister said his outfit will not allow people to take the law into their own hands, saying “people must be made to observe the law and that is what we will do.”

He indicated that REGSEC will collaborate with the various traditional councils to ensure lasting peace in the region.

The Regional Minister admonished all traditional leaders to channel their grievances to the Northern Regional REGSEC to resolve conflicts in their respective areas.

Meanwhile, the Paramount Chief of Wasipe Traditional Area, Mumuni Anyama Kabasagya II, who banished settlers of the Dissah and Salugu from his land, rescind his decision when the REGSEC team visited his palace.

He promised to fully support REGSEC to promote peace in the traditional area.