2 dead, 12 arrested as residents clash with police in Hohoe

Two persons are reported dead after police clashed with residents of Godenu, near Hohoe in the Volta Region.

According to police, the residents set a Police patrol vehicle ablaze after it was involved in an accident with a motorbike rider.

In a statement, the police said the motor rider who sustained injuries in the accident is currently receiving medical attention.

The statement added that 12 people have so far been arrested and one Bruni pistol retrieved.

The police also stated that they would investigate the incident to ascertain the circumstances behind the deaths of the two people.

“Security has since been deepened in Hohoe township and its surrounding communities to ensure law and order,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the residents said the police were attempting to arrest a man suspected of carrying marijuana when he rode his motorbike into a nearby house.

They added that the police allegedly began shooting resulting in the death of the two persons and injuries to several others.

The residents also alleged that the police burnt all motorbikes on sight. Some of the locals in anger, set the police vehicle on fire in retaliation.

The police action has outraged the locals, who are demanding justice for the victims.