Eight travellers have been killed by a group of armed men who blocked the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway near Gbimsi, a community close to Walewale.
The gunmen on Sunday, October 27, 2024, set up roadblocks in Gbimsi and Walewale and picked out Kusasis for their killing spree.
Passengers caught in the blockade underwent identity interrogations; eight people were killed while two vehicles were set on fire.
One survivor recounted the incident: “I went to Tamale airport this morning to drop someone. On my way back, at Gbimsi, I saw people holding guns and blocking the road. They were burning tyres and said they were looking for Kusasis. They screened me, and I was allowed to pass when I indicated I was not a Kusasi. I saw them beating someone but couldn’t see how it ended”.
The attack is allegedly connected to the renewed Bawku conflict, which has escalated after a period of relative peace.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has assured travellers of increased security presence along the highway in the coming days.
In a brief statement, the police disclosed that they were working to bring the security situation under control.
In addition to the police and military presence in Bawku and surrounding areas, authorities have also deployed joint police and military units along the Bolgatanga-Walewale-Tamale highway to ensure the safety of lives.
“The security agencies would like to once again assure the public that we are committed to maintaining peace, security, law, and order in Bawku and its environs.”
