Bawku violence takes different twist

THERE IS now a new form of violence emerging in the Bawku Township, as faceless persons set rooms on fire. Between September 16 and 20 this year, five rooms in separate households had been set ablaze by some unidentified persons.

According to the paramount Chief of the traditional area, Naba Abugrago Azoka II, in the past, chieftaincy and land disputes were used to explain the Bawku violence, but now he is baffled as to the motives of this new form of violence, which has the potential of reversing or slowing down the progress of the peace process in the area.

Addressing the media at his Palace through his spokesperson, Mr. Thomas Abilla, the chief, who was flanked by his sub-chiefs, unreservedly condemned those cowardly and wicked acts of arson, which could never be justified.

Naba Abugrago Azoka II, explained that the arsonists targeted rooms in some households and set them ablaze, and appealed to the public to cooperate with the police in the investigations, by volunteering appropriate information leading to the arrest and prosecuting of the culprits. The security personnel should also be on high alert to avert further arsons.

In a related development, the chief has directed that all the emerging political party pavilions in the Bawku Township be demolished.

The youth in the area, belonging to rival political parties, including the New Patriotic Party, National Democratic Congress, People's National Convention and Convention People's Party have erected pavilions and painted them in their respective party colours.

According to Naba Abugrago II, the youth sit under these pavilions and use provocative language, which could be connected to the recent burning down of rooms in the area.

The political parties named above were represented by their executives, who unanimously agreed with the Overlord that the pavilions be demolished if that would be in the interest of searching for lasting peace.

In the Bawku township, these pavilions were seen everywhere. For instance, near the Bawku Municipal Assembly were two giant pavilions belonging to the NDC and NPP.

Interestingly, large pictures of the former MP, Mr. Mahama Ayariga of the NDC and incumbent MP, Mr. Daramani Adamu of the NPP were embossed on them.

When Mr. Daramani was contacted, he said he fully supports the directive by the chief, if only it will bring peace.

He, however, observed that the youth have resorted to the practice because they are unemployed and appealed to the government to create jobs for them.

He also appealed to the National Security to allow men in the area to use motorbikes from 6am to 6pm. The ban on motorbikes was imposed by the National Security on the advice of the Upper East Regional Security Council, after it was observed that some killings in the area were aided by motorbikes.

Later, the ban was relaxed, paving the way for females to use motorbikes without picking their male counterparts.

Meanwhile, a reliable source has told this reporter that the Upper East Regional Security Council would meet sometime this week to deliberate on all security matters in the region, including those raised by the Overlord.