Police to probe violent clash at Bolgatanga.

16-08-2011

The Upper East Regional Police Command says it is investigating the cause of a violent clash that occurred between residents of Zongo and Dagbew communities at Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, in which six people sustained various degrees of injuries including a policeman. The Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Police Service, Chief Inspector Thomas Agbanyo, who gave the assurance, said his outfit is poised to bring the perpetrators of the violence to book. Narrating the incident to Radio Ghana, Chief Inspector Agbeyo said one Alhaji Iddrisu Yakubu ,a resident of Zongo and a Grumah by tribe, decided to erect a container on a piece of land in front of his house some time ago, but was resisted by some opinion leaders from the Dagbew community. He said the opinion leaders claimed the piece of land in question belonged to them and Alhaji Yakubu had no legal right to use it without their consent and proposed to sell it to him if he intended to use it for any purpose. He said Alhaji Yakubu later lodged a complaint to the Town and Country Planning Department and was subsequently granted permit to erect the structure. Alhaji Yakubu upon the directive then proceeded to erect the container only to be attacked by 10 irate youth from the Dagbew community. He said as at the time of the attack Alhaji Yakubu was attending an outdooring ceremony at the Regional Chief Imam’s house only to be called and told about the incident. He in turn informed the police to arrest the situation. Chief Inspector Agbanyo said, the irate youth vandalized the container and took away some mobile phones and other personal belongings. The mob also vandalized some shops around the area and destroyed the windscreens of some vehicles parked at the scene, one belonging to the Deputy Regional Chief Imam. One person according to the Police PRO had been admitted at the Bolgatanga Regional hospital, whilst those injured in the clash have since been treated and discharged. No arrest has been made so far but police says it was maintaining its presence at the incident scene to prevent any further attacks. He advised people not to attached ethnicity and tribal sentiments to the incident as it were between groups of people who had contention about a piece of land. The Assemblyman for Dagbew, Mr. Issifu Mumuni said they have initiated moves to amicably settle the issue and the contending parties will be meeting with the Land owner (Tindana) of Tindamolgo to resolve the land issue, whilst the police proceed with its investigations. He said the dispute was not between Frafras and Dagombas as speculated in some quarters. The Regional Coordinating Council has condemned the recent weekend attack and has appealed to parties involved to resolve their differences amicably. The Regional Minister wishes to assure the general public that situation is under control and that people should go about their normal businesses.


GBC END IA/