7 Killed In Fight Over Land

A 70-year-old chief of the Kuwerigu Community near Lukula in the North Gonja District of the Savannah Region has been reportedly killed in a renewed communal violence over disputed land.

Naa Salifu Nachinaa was said to have been shot dead at his house by gunmen, who invaded the community.

According to unconfirmed accounts, six other individuals were killed and several others were injured during the clash between members of the Gonja and Mamprusi tribes in Lukula, North Gonja District.

Among the injured are three police officers who were dispatched to the Lukula community to restore law and order.

The violence erupted yesterday dawn following two days of tension in the community, and eyewitnesses claimed several houses, mostly belonging to members of the Mamprusi tribe, were destroyed.

More than 100 individuals, mostly women and children, have fled the community to the North East Region since the clash, which is claimed to be between traditional warriors from Daboya’s Wasipe Traditional Area and Janga’s Soo Traditional Area.

Fighting between the two tribes began in 2019 shortly after the formation of the Savannah and North East Regions, with each claiming ownership of Lukula and its nearby communities.

The Tampulmas and Mamprusis of North Gonja District had previously indicated a desire to join the North East Region, accusing Gonja authorities of economic and social neglect.

Meanwhile, Saeed Muhazu Jibril, the Savannah Regional Minister, has asked for calm between the two tribes.

He stated that the Savannah and North East Regional Coordinating Councils will work together to resolve the land issue with the King of the Mamprugu Traditional Council and the King of the Gonja Traditional Council.

“The King of Mamprugu Traditional Council and the King of Gonja Traditional Council should engage each other and determine who owes this disputed land so that we can all live in peace,” he said.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com