Bolgatanga, Oct. 7, GNA - The Bawku Inter-Ethnic Peace Committee (BIEPC) has explained that last Sunday's shooting in Bawku was not way related to the protracted ethnic conflict in the area.

"It was totally a criminal act, the motive of which is yet to be established. It is the work of isolated individuals calculated to disrupt the prevailing peace for selfish and criminal purposes."

This was contained in a press release issued in Bolgatanga by the two Co- chairmen of BIEPC, Mr Thomas Abilla and Alhaji Ibrahim Kobilla on Tuesday. The committee said it is determined and focused on working relentlessly to restore permanent peace in the area and would continue with the pacification rites it had started as part of measures to maintain the five month truce. "The committee wishes to remind all the citizens of Bawku. that nobody can bring peace to our area except the good people of Bawku.

"Therefore, the committee wishes to appeal to all and sundry to exercise maximum co-operation, trust, sincerity, tolerance and maturity in our actions in order to contribute to the restoration of permanent peace in the area."

It commended the security personnel for the prompt action they took in arresting the suspects when the shooting started. The release suggested the need for the suspects to be arraigned.

Gun shots heard in Bawku town last Sunday night, October 3, prompted the Police to investigate and arrest three persons suspected to be involved in the incident.