Bolgatanga, Jan. 20, GNA - The Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC) on Friday called on residents of Bukere and Soe in the Bolgatanga Municipality who fled their homes in the wake of recent communal violence in the area to return home. In a statement released to the media in Bolgatanga, the Regional Minister, Mr Boniface Gambila, gave the assurance that REGSEC had instituted security measures that would guarantee adequate protection for people in the affected communities.

"REGSEC would like to reiterate its determination to ensure that peace is maintained in the Bolgatanga Municipality, for the citizenry to go about their normal activities without any hindrance," he said. The Regional Minister called on the Regional Director of Education to ensure that schools in the affected area which were closed down during the disturbances were reopened to enable school children go back to classes.

He also enjoined the chiefs, elders and youth of the two communities to resolve their differences in a manner that would not disturb peace and order in the Municipality, and to ensure that the due process of law was respected.

Mr Gambila warned that REGSEC would deal firmly with anybody who attempted to disrupt the peace in the area or tried to prevent people in the Municipality from going about their normal activities. The REGSEC has appealed to the general public to report all cases of harassment and other breaches of peace in the area to the police for prompt action.

Police presence and patrols in the township have been intensified.