Regional News of Thursday, 3 March 2005

Source: jfm

Fear Grips Kumasi ....

...Following Last Tuesday?s Gangster Attack
Residents in Kumasi are accusing the police for not doing enough to protect life and property.

This follows continues report of terrorists act by a youth group calling itself Al Qaeda.

The residents say since Tuesday the group has visited mayhem on people in broad daylight.

Most residents say they feel insecure now than ever after Tuesday?s incident. A group of irate youth numbering about 600 two days ago took to the streets in parts of the metropolis and made life unbearable for residents especially for motorist and shop owners at Suame, Manhyia, Ashtown and Alabar.

They are said to be avenging the death of a colleague lynched for his alleged involvement in a robbery.

Even though the police initially had a tough time overpowering them it later managed to round up 24 of them but reports that the gang resurfaced on Wednesday is worsening people?s fears that one is likely to fall victim to groups acts of vandalism. ? I am afraid because I don?t have a cell phone and if I come into contact with them and they ask for my cell phone and I don?t have any, they can do whatever they want to me.? One resident said.

?We want to see the police in action, because when we heard of Atta Ayi arrest and we were happy so if we see them reacting to this one, we would be happy.? Another resident said.

A member of the gang Abdul Razak who sustained gunshot injuries was pronounced dead by doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

Those who were put before court on Wednesday have been remanded in Prison custody to reappear on March 18.

Meanwhile the police have denied reports that the gang showed up on Wednesday.

Ashanti Regional Police Commander ACP Ofosu Mensah Gyeabuor continued to reassure residents that his men are on the ground and expressed in readiness to crush the hooligans or any people who seek to compromise the peace.

He disclosed that additional 100 personnel had been deployed to beef up patrol security.

The regional police boss said 250 more are expected from Brong Ahafo and Eastern region to ensure maximum security in the garden city.