Bawku conflict: Kusaug MPs move to reconcile residents and security agencies

Members of the Kusaug Traditional Council in the Upper East Region, have moved to reconcile residents of the Traditional Area and the Security agencies after gunfire exchange at Buabula, a suburb of Bawku.

The gunfire led to the death of three residents and three soldiers sustaining various degrees of injury.

All six MPs of the Traditional Council who engaged the various stakeholders including the Upper East Regional Security Council, Bawku Municipal Security Council and the Bawku Traditional Council to find a lasting solution to the impasse, also commiserated with residents of Buabula.

Apart from apologising on behalf of the residents to the Military command at Bawku whose three officers were injured and currently receiving treatment in Accra, they also apologised to Naba Tambiis-baaluk- kunwiak Ibrahim Aguuri I, Paramount Chief of Pusiga Traditional Area whose Palace was ransacked by Security officers in a search operation.

The MPs were Mr Cletus Avoka, MP for Zebilla, Mr Mahama Ayariga, MP for Bawku, Mr Abdulai Abanga, MP for Binduri, Madam Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, MP for Tempane, Madam Laadi Ayii Ayamba, MP for Pusiga and Mr Albert Akuka Alalzuuga, MP for Garu.

They were on a fact finding mission to ascertain the cause of the conflict between the residents and security agencies which was linked to the renewed Bawku Chieftaincy conflict and work to reconcile the two parties, to build confidence to ensure cooperation and peaceful coexistence.

The MPs who visited the scene observed that apart from the three civilians including a 13 year old girl who was shot and killed in her room by the alleged security officers, several houses, and properties including food items, motorbikes, and money were burnt to ashes.

Mr Ayariga assured the residents that their concerns would be prioritised to ensure that the arrested people were not only given bail but that a petition on the operation would be laid before the Human Rights and Administrative Justice for investigation.

He said apart from laying the findings before the Ministers of National Security, Defence and the Interior, the MPs would meet with President Akufo-Addo in April and the findings would be laid before him for appropriate actions to be taken.

Mr Avoka who led the caucus commended the security agencies for the keeping peace in the area in the wake of the conflict but noted that they needed to be more professional in dealing with residents of the area.

He said the MPs aimed to restore the trust between the residents and the security agencies to help end the Chieftaincy conflict which re-emerged in November 2021, leading to the death of many while several others sustained injuries.

Mr Paul Musah, the Assemblyman for Missiga Electoral Area who spoke on behalf of the Chiefs and people of Zoogo and Missiga Traditional Area, accused the security agencies particularly the military of foul play and asked government to bring the perpetrators to book.

He demanded the 11 residents who were arrested be released to them and compensation paid to the families who lost their relatives and properties and examine the current leadership of the military in the area

The conflict was due to disagreement over the performance of the funeral of a Chief who died more than 41 years ago which would pave way for the enskinment of another Chief

Apart from the curfew, which is still enforced, the ban on wearing of smock and riding of motorbikes were still in place.

Meanwhile, government has urged factions in the conflict to respect the decision of the Supreme Court ruling which confirmed Zugraan Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, the current Paramount Chief as the rightful Overlord and embrace peace to promote development.

GNA