Togbega Gabusu, Paramount Chief of Gbi in the Volta Region, on Sunday alleged that laxity on the part of the Police fueled the communal clash between Gbi citizens and residents of the Hohoe Zongo community last Monday.

He said though intelligence attested to a possible clash in Hohoe, relapse in the conduct of the Police made the situation to degenerate into an abyss.

Togbega Gabusu was briefing a delegation of chiefs and queenmothers from the Anlo State in the Volta Region, on a visit to Hohoe to assess the situation and sympathize with the people of Gbi.

The delegation, led by Togbui Sri III, Awomefia of Anlo State, included Togbui Agbesi Awusu II, Awadada of Anlo State, Mama Ayaba II queenmother of Adafienu, Mama Ayele Ativeshi, queenmother of Afife, and Dr. Ben Glover, Member of Council of State.

Togbega Gabusu lamented that the shortfall on the part of the Police led to shooting and death of two residents of Hohoe and another recuperating from gun-shot wounds at the hospital.

He debunked media reports, which suggested that the conflict had something to do with religion, and stressed that “there is no religious war in Gbi Traditional Area but a display of gross insubordination and disrespect for authority.”

Togbega Gabusu said the relationship between the people of Gbi and Hohoe Zongo community dates back to more than 200 years.

He was optimistic that the Committee of Eminent Persons to be established to handle the matter “would delve into the impasse, and suggest recommendations towards re-uniting the two communities.

Togbega Gabusu appealed to the people of Gbi to remain calm and avoid actions that would re-ignite hostilities.

Togbui Sri on behalf of the Anlo State sympathized with the two communities, and said the clash was shocking news.

He praised the level of maturity being exhibited towards peace building and expressed hope that peace would return to the Gbi area.

Delegations from Avatime, Alavanyo and Buem Traditional Areas have also been to Hohoe, to sympathise with the chiefs and people of the area.**