Bawku (UE), Dec. 31, GNA -There is no communal violence between the Mamprusi and Kusasis people at Bawku as being reported in some section of the media as the people celebrated this year's Samanpiid festival at Bawku in the Upper East Region.

Speaking to the Media at Bawku, Chief Superintendent Peter Kin Gyinae, and Divisional Commander of Bawku explained that, the three people, who were allegedly shot on Monday could not be associated with communal violence between the two factions. He said criminals suspected to be Fulanis took advantage of the Samanpid festival being celebrated to create confusion, with the intention of stealing cattle and in the process killed the three people thereby sparking off mayhem.

He said that, when the case was reported, he quickly dispatched police personnel to Pusum near Bawku where the incident took place. Two of the deceased were lying on the ground whilst the other was dumped in donkey cart.

The Divisional Crime Officer Isaac Akligbe led newsmen to the Presbyterian Bawku Hospital where the three bodies were deposited at the hospital mortuary pending autopsy.

According to Reverend Jacob Wandumsi, Chaplin of the hospital, the deceased were pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital There was tight security in the Bawku Township to prevent the eruption of any conflict.

The Samanpiid festival celebrated by the Kusasi people of the Bawku area every year to foster unity was meant to draw people from the area to offer thanks to God for guarding them throughout the year and bringing accelerated development to the area. It went on peacefully to a successful end as soldiers were positioned at vantage points in the township to maintain peace and order. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Alhassan Samari, his deputy Mrs. Agnes Chigabatia, MPs for the area and traditional rulers outside the area attended the festival.

Citizens of the area, who were outside donated monies to the Education Endowment Fund and others donated computers to schools in the area.