Bawku (UE), Dec. 11, GNA - Major-General Henry Anyidoho, Commander of the Northern Command of the Armed Forces, on Saturday asked the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to ensure the protection of life and property at Bawku.

"Even if you have to increase the curfew hours to accomplish this feat, you should not hesitate to do so," he said. Maj. Gen. Anyidoho was speaking at Bawku during a visit to assess the situation following an ethnic conflict in the aftermath of Thursday's election.

A dusk to dawn curfew was imposed on Friday. The violence started when the District Electoral Officer refused to declare the election results.

Maj. Gen. Anyidoho expressed regret that an election count could degenerate into an ethnic conflict resulting in the loss of lives and property. He visited victims on admission at the Bawku Hospital.

Dr Oscar Debrah, Medical Superintendent, said 10 bodies; seven men and three women, killed in the conflict have been deposited at the mortuary. Maj. Gen. Anyidoho later addressed the military detachment and commended the REGSEC for the swift manner in which it contained the situation. Captain Awuah Mante, Commanding Officer said the detachment has seized weapons, including five AK 47, a G3 riffle, a pistol, a locally manufactured pistol, dagger and a cache of ammunition.