Boy shot dead by stray bullet; two others injured during Awutu Bereku festival

A nine-year-old boy has been shot dead during a festival at Awutu Bereku in the Awutu Senya West District of the Central Region.

Two others are said to be in critical condition and have been sent to the hospital.

The deceased was reportedly pushing his brother, who has a mobility disability, in a wheelchair when he was hit by the bullet and instantly killed on Monday, August 30, 2021.

He is believed to have been shot by traditional authorities carrying out rituals to purify the community ahead of the Awutu Awubia festival.

The Chiefs and elders are said to have been pouring libation through the principal streets of the community when the gunshot was heard.

The Awutu Bereku District Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Joshua Semanyo who confirmed the incident said the suspect has been arrested.

Some residents have, however, attributed the unfortunate incident to negligence on the side of the gun-wielding men.

The victim is said to be the only son of his mother, according to an eyewitness Joe Mensa.

He said they were home when his aunt, the mother of the deceased, rushed in wailing “Oh, they have killed my son”.

The body has been since deposited at the Winneba Special and Trauma Mortuary for Preservation and autopsy.