One more victim has been killed in the ongoing Bawku conflict, bringing the death toll to 26 since the conflict resurfaced in late October 2024.
Despite a strict 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. curfew imposed to curb violence, armed groups continue to defy the restrictions, launching attacks that have escalated tensions in the area.
The unrest has led to the closure of some schools and disrupted business activities, as residents remain fearful of further violence.
On Tuesday, November 12, violent clashes in the Daduri suburb of Bawku left two people dead and several others injured.
The clashes involved a gun battle that left two homes in flames, intensifying the region’s security crisis.
In response to the rising violence, many residents are fleeing the area. Six buses, escorted by military personnel, were recently seen transporting people from Bawku to Bolgatanga for safety.
READ ALSO: Bloody Bawku conflict: One killed again; death toll now 21
The violence, which had appeared to subside, reignited following the return of Alhaji Seidu Abagre, a rival chief who had been in exile since February 2023.
Abagre initially fled Bawku after an arrest warrant was issued against him following his contested installation as chief in Nalerigu.
However, a High Court ruling in Kumasi on October 17, 2024, quashed the warrant, allowing him to return.
His arrival on October 26 sparked a resurgence of the long-standing chieftaincy dispute, resulting in gunfire that left two dead and several others injured. The community now faces renewed tension and fears of further violence.
In response to the situation, the government has imposed a curfew in the area, citing Alhaji Seidu Abagre’s presence as a significant threat to residents’ safety.
These disturbances have resulted in the loss of numerous lives, with a looming threat of escalation beyond Bawku.
The Bawku chieftaincy dispute dates back to 1931. It revolves around the occupation of the Bawku skin, which represents chiefly authority in the Bawku traditional area.
The conflict between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups has been ongoing, with historical contestation and political interference fueling tensions.
In recent years, the conflict has been characterized by recurring waves of violent clashes, resulting in deaths, injuries, and property damage.
The surge of arms in Bawku has also contributed to the conflict’s escalation, with many residents feeling obliged to arm themselves for protection.