Peacekeepers avert clash between Nkonya and Alavanyo

Alavanyo-Kpeme (V/R), April 13 GNA - The Police cum Military Detachment stationed at Nkoya-Alavanyo Area at weekend averted a clash between the two communities.

Major Abass Seidu, Officer Commanding the 66th Artillery Regiment in Ho on Tuesday toured the area to verify the reports and assess security situation in the area.

Speaking to the people of Nkonya-Tayi and Alavanyo-Kpeme, Major Seidu urged them to co-operate with the security personnel to maintain peace in the area.

He appealed to them to seek peaceful solution to the 81 years old conflict, which has been erupting intermittently and urged them to have confidence in the peacekeepers.

Maj Seidu warned, especially the youth saying: "No matter how powerful you are, you cannot fight the Government so your persistent threats must cease."

Briefing Maj Seidu and his team on the situation, Mr Salifu Amidu, Superintendent of Police in-charge of Operations in the Area, said at about 0730hours on Sunday, information got to him that about 1,000 men allegedly from Alavanyo-Kpeme had laid ambush on the outskirts of Nkonya-Tayi, in an attempt to attack.

He said following the information the Military cum Police Detachment quickly mobilised and drove the ambushers, who were in several groups back amidst firing of shots.

Supt Amidu told the Ghana News Agency that the two groups never clashed, adding that the peacekeepers had been on high alert in view of the volatile situation in the area.

Nana Kwesi Gyanfosu, Mankralo of Tayi, commended the peacekeepers for averting what could have been a massacre of his people, who were unaware of the ambush.

He, however, cautioned that they would defend their land with their lives and not allow anybody to take it away from them. Mr Anthony Atiboli, Assemblyman and Spokesman of Alavanyo-Kpeme pledged the cooperation of the community with the security personnel in maintaining peace in the area. 13 April 04