Upper East: Two suspected robbers gunned down in shoot-out

DCOP Simon Afeku of the Upper East Regional Police Command

Gun exchanges between some personnel of the Upper East Regional Police Command and three suspected armed robbers last Sunday in Bolgatanga, resulted in the death of two. 

Inflicted with serious gunshot wounds, the two identified by the Police as Baba and Rasta were conveyed to the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital, where they were later pronounced dead shortly on arrival. 

The other accomplice, whose name was given as Patrick Ayine, A.k.a Aluta is currently under police custody assisting in investigations. 

Meanwhile, a Police Corporal, sustained some gun wounds as a result of the shoot-out is said to be responding to treatment at the hospital following a successful surgical operation on him. 

Narrating the incident to Radio Ghana, the Regional Police Commander, DCOP Simon Afeku, said the rate of crime related offenses, particularly motorbike snatching in the region has assumed an alarming proportion. 

He, however, assured residents that the police were up to task and will strategize to deal with offenders. 

Report

Between 23^rd to 28^th of February, there had been series of attacks on road users plying on the Bolgatanga-Navrongo highway by unidentified persons and groups of armed men. 

Victims that fall prey to activities of these criminals are often robbed at gun point.

 However, the three suspected armed men of which two have died were suspected to have launch an attack on one police personnel at dawn on his way to Bolgatanga from Navrongo. 

The robbers whose intention was to snatch the motorbike of the police personnel shot at him after refusing to stop as directed. After a hot chase, the policemen managed to escape. 

This, provoked an intense police patrol on the said stretch of road to ensure the safety of lives and property. 

According to DCOP Simon Afeku, heightened surveillance measures by the police identified the hideout of these criminals whose nefarious activities were a threat to road users. 

He said on February 28 at around 4.00 am, the suspected robber succeeded in an operation and returned to their hideout. 

Upon Police intelligence, some men invaded their abode and on arrival, they were engaged in a shoot-out injuring one of the men in the process. 

The police sensing danger also opened fire killing two. DCOP Afeku, who gave a detailed account of the incident identified the group as notorious thugs fingered in similar criminal acts in Kumasi and other areas.

The recent times, residents of the Upper East Region, particularly motorbike riders have had to endure several violent acts despite effort by the police to clamp down on perpetrators. 

The Police in dealing with such cases have to use minimum force by opening fire on offenders to safeguard their safety. 

 DCOP Afeku, said it was not in the interest of the Police to shoot and kill, but the law equally mandates them to use their weapons appropriately when the need arises. He therefore warned those perpetuating acts of violence to desist from the act in order to avoid their wrath.

The three suspected robbers were in possession of AK 47 riffle with 12 rounds of ammunitions and a locally manufactured pistol with five BB live cartridges when the police invaded their domain.  

 DCOP Afeku, bewailed the level of crime rate in the region and called on the continuous support of the media and the general public in relaying vital information leading to the arrest of criminals.

GBC NEWS                                                           END