We did not expect the implementation of the roadmap to Dagbon peace to be devoid of the like of the hiccup witnessed last Thursday.
In our previous commentaries on the subject, we did point out that there was no way mischievous persons were going to sit aloof without muddying the waters seeing especially the headway being made in restoring peace in this restive part of the country.
The successful implementation of such a lofty programme would certainly spell the end of their money-making channel. Peace for such miscreants is anathema, too bitter for their palates.
The story about some persons stoning an arriving convoy in Yendi for the funeral of the late Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani smacked of some unguarded and irresponsible mischief by persons who wrongly think that even when they are caught they would be left off the hook.
It is as incomprehensible as it is reprehensible that a group of persons would premeditatedly ambush an arriving group of persons for the execution of the second segment of the roadmap to Dagbon peace. We are not too sure about the speculation that a suspect behind the use of firearms which killed one person has been arrested. If that has not been done yet, the law enforcement agents must intensify their efforts in nabbing all suspects.
We implore persons in influential positions to allow the law to work. The unnecessary interference in the work of law enforcement officers can be counterproductive.
Anything short of arresting whoever fired the shots which killed and injured others should not be tolerated by all standards.
It is our hope that as the funeral of the late Overlord Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani begins, the security for the activities and above all, the township and the road leading to it, would be put on the highest level of alertness.
The shooting incident in Yendi which but for providence could have totally rocked the roadmap beyond redemption and created a terrible national security challenge for the Northern Region should not be allowed to recur.
Those behind it have not given up and would definitely have a Plan B. They must be denied access to their killer tools and plans.
Such persons, crude as they are, can easily be stopped in their tracks with an effective intelligence gathering and management before they strike.
We have gathered and expectedly that social media is awash with incendiary remarks with the intention to disturb public peace. The spreading of lies to create fear and panic is rife on social media and those consuming the unwanted stuff unknowingly end up becoming accessories for the dissemination of hate stuff in a restive area.
The only way to stop the nonsense is to beef up security and to monitor social media incessantly. Unfortunately it would appear we lack the wherewithal to regulate the contents of social media.
What can be controlled easily, however, are the FM stations in the conflict zone whose content should be monitored and those inching towards the negative must be brought in the line of sensible and responsible broadcasting.
At the time of composing this commentary, a crunch meeting by the regional Security Council was ongoing to determine the next action given the deteriorated situation.
<<Print>>