Three persons injured, 20 arrested after clash at Keri Yam Festival

Three people have been left injured after a misunderstanding ensued at this year’s Yam Festival at Keri in the Nkwanta South District of the Oti Region.

The confusion broke out after some ‘Akodes’ reportedly denied the ‘Challas’ access to a traditional forest in which the Keri Town must perform rituals ahead of its annual yam festival.

The Nkwanta South Police have arrested 20 persons to assist in investigations since the violence.

The Police Commander for Nkwanta South, ASP William Ayesu, who confirmed the incident to Citi News, said he expects the number of suspects to reduce following further investigations.

“When such things occur, you may arrest innocent people so we are going to sieve them and then find the real culprits,” ASP Ayesu said.

He added that calm had returned to the area with a heavy security presence.

Schools have also closed down alongside reports of some residents fleeing the town.