....As Prosecution of Yaa-Naa Murderers Begin

The military have taken over the town centre of Yendi in the northern region to maintain law and order following a rampage of the area by some irate youth. The youth were burning car tyres in protest against what they described as politically motivated arrest of some prominent members.

Some traditional and opinion leaders were arrested in Yendi as first step approach to apprehend and prosecute the alleged murderers of the late overlord of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Yakubu Andani II.

According to our sources, the exercise which lasted for three hours was executed by some military personnel who stormed the area at about 2 am Saturday 10 and arrested 36 persons in Yendi and Gbungbaliga in the eastern corridor of the Dagbon State of the northern region.

It is also highly rumoured that Prince Imoro Andani, a former regional minister under whose tenure the Yaa-Naa was allegedly murdered and Alhaji Malik Alhassan, the then Minister of Interior as well Alhaji Mohammed Habib Tijani, immediate past Yendi Municipal Chief Executive were among those picked.

Head and caretaker of the Abudu Regent, Mba Dugu Iddi Sulemana, Zohi Gbanglana Abdulai Baba, Mahama Cheampong and the headmaster of Yendi Islamic Number 2 Junior High School were also said to be picked.

Rumours have it that the exercise was in line with incessant pressure on government to arrest and prosecute those behind the murder of the late Yaa-Naa Yakubu Andani and 40 others on March 27, 2002.

The military personnel were said to have drove through Bimbila from Accra to Nayili Fong in about fifteen vehicles including four armored cars and after the exercise used the same route in transporting the suspects to wherever they were been taken them to for questioning.

This created tension in the Yendi Municipality because the Abudu youth mobilized massively in front of the Boling Lana’s palace and threatened to take revenge of the situation alleging that the exercise was politically orchestrated.

Business and economic activities have come to a halt with some peace loving residents of the area especially women and children fleeing Yendi to seek refuge in Tamale, Bimbila, Zabzugu and nearby communities in the eastern corridor of Dagbon.

Attempts to reach ACP Awuni Awungwutobge, Northern regional police commander and the Northern Regional Minister, Moses Bukari Mabengba on the issue proved futile.

When contacted, Mr. Nasaamu Asabigi, Deputy Northern regional minister said he had no knowledge of the said exercise.