Bawku conflict: 3 more dead as death toll rises to 26

The Upper East Regional town of Bawku continues to see chaos as violent clashes continue to escalate.

This follows the government’s decision, through the Interior Ministry, to impose a curfew in Bawku after renewed disturbances linked to the return of Seidu Abagre, who was controversially enskinned as Bawku Naba in February 2023.

The curfew, announced after an emergency National Security meeting held on October 28, is in effect from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily until further notice.

“Based on assessments by national security agencies, the continued presence of Mr. Seidu Abagre in Bawku poses a substantial threat to public safety and security. In light of the foregoing, pursuant to the provisions of the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491), a curfew is, hereby, imposed on Bawku from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM, commencing today, Monday, 28. October 2024, until further notice,” a statement from the Ministry read.

But despite the 12-hour curfew aimed at curbing the unrest, violent clashes persist in Bawku, with at least three people killed this week and several houses set ablaze.

This brings the death toll in the renewed conflict to 26

JoyNews correspondent, Albert Sore reports that heavily armed groups have been engaged in a series of attacks, resulting in multiple houses being burnt down.

He noted that most schools and businesses in the area also remain closed.

“What I’m learning is that the incident happened about two days ago but I’m gathering more information as to how it all happened.

“For Bawku, ever since the resurgence happened, a lot of the schools and other businesses don’t open. People naturally don’t leave their homes because of the shootings and all that. So it’s kind of normal in Bawku for schools to shut,” he said.