Accra, Jan. 10, GNA - The Upper West Caucus in Parliament on Monday raised concerns about the recent violent confrontation between the Wa Police and civilians following unwarranted killing of an unarmed and defenceless youth and the severe beatings of other innocent and law abiding citizens in Wa.

A statement issued in Accra and signed by Mr Edward K. Salia, Leader of the Caucus, said they saw the development as unfortunate, disturbing and unwelcome in a usually peaceful and law-abiding region without any history of civilian-police confrontation, even in abnormal times. "We condemn the excessive use of police firepower and force against unarmed civilians and call on all peace-loving people and organisations to do the same.

"While we share with the entire region the grief of this unnecessary shooting and the resultant confrontation, we nevertheless call on both parties to exercise maximum restraint," it added.

It however, commended the REGSEC for establishing an Investigative Committee and urged the members to submit its report within the stipulated time so that justice would be pursued speedily to assuage the concerns of the afflicted and restore peace in Wa and the Upper West Region as a whole.

The Caucus expressed its deepest condolences to the family of the bereaved family and wished the wounded speedy recovery.