Zeqblog Blog of Tuesday, 7 January 2025
Source: Okine Isaac
On January 6, 2025, unknown gunmen assaulted a bus moving from Bolgatanga to Bawku. Despite being escorted by security, the terrorists opened fire, killing Nuaima Awudu, a young trader conducting business in Bolgatanga. Several more passengers were injured and are currently being treated at the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital.
According to modernghana, this attack comes after a similar event on January 5, in which a person was killed while attempting to relocate to another part of town. These events have disrupted the delicate tranquility that had lately returned to Bawku, spreading fear in the community. Many people now feel restricted to their communities, as traveling beyond their immediate surroundings carries substantial hazards.
The Bawku region has been plagued by occasional violence, which is frequently tied to long-standing chieftaincy conflicts. In October 2024, eight people were killed when militants stopped the Bolgatanga Tamale highway near Gbimsi, in an attack thought to be linked to the ongoing Bawku violence.
Despite the government's implementation of a dawn-to-dusk curfew in November 2024 to restore order, the security situation remains precarious. Authorities have yet to identify the culprits of these recent attacks or provide an update on actions to combat the violence. The reoccurring instability raises worries about the efficiency of present security methods, emphasizing the critical need for long-term solutions to safeguard the safety of inhabitants and visitors alike.
The ongoing unrest in Bawku endangers not only lives, but also hinders economic activity and crucial services. As fear spreads throughout the community, there is an urgent need for increased security measures and conflict resolution activities to address the underlying reasons of the violence. Ensuring peace in Bawku is critical for the residents' well-being and the region's general stability.