Two reportedly dead, others injured after clash between alleged NAIMOS officers and residents at Manso Keniago

Two persons have reportedly died, with several others injured, after some military officials purporting to be members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, NAIMOS, clashed with residents at Manso Keniago in the Ashanti Region.

According to residents, the military men shot and killed the deceased following an altercation with the community.

How The Incident Happened
An eyewitness, in an interview with this reporter, said the incident occurred on Wednesday after the military officers seized an excavator.

“The military men, after seizing the excavator, were moving it on the tarred road, a process that could destroy the roads, so some chiefs and residents asked them to rather transport the excavator with a low-bed machine,” the eyewitness said.

“The suggestion did not sit well with the military men, leading to altercations. The military men started firing warning shots.”

“Several others caught bullets, with two dying in the process,” the eyewitness added.

Assembly Member Confirms Gunfire
The Assembly Member for the area, Hon. Charles Oduro, confirmed the firing of guns multiple times by the military men.

He, however, could not confirm the number of deaths and injuries.

According to him, the situation had trapped him at home.

“They were firing guns indiscriminately, and so going out was very risky,” Hon. Oduro said.

“My people had called me telling me about the deaths and injuries, but I am yet to go out to confirm.”

He said the community is now in disarray, with members fleeing to protect their lives.

This portal is working to get an official response from NAIMOS and the military authorities on the incident.