The Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has strongly condemned the recent tragic incident on the Pusiga-Polimakom road in the Upper East Region, where nine traders lost their lives.
Among the victims were six women and three men, who were travelling in two separate vehicles en route to Cinkase in neighbouring Togo. The attack also left fifteen other passengers injured, some of whom are in critical condition.
In a statement issued last Friday, Mr Ayariga expressed his deep concern, describing the shooting of passenger vehicles along the Bawku and Walewale routes as completely unacceptable. He emphasized that these acts of violence are derailing the improved security situation in Bawku and its surrounding areas.
“Mahama Ayariga, MP for Bawku Central, has condemned in very strong terms the shooting and killing of 6 women and 3 men from Bawku who were travelling in two separate vehicles through the Pusiga District to Sinkase in neighbouring Togo. About 15 other women and men were shot and injured, and some are in very critical condition.
“This cowardly and senseless shooting of passenger vehicles in the Bawku areas and Walewale route is unacceptable and continues to completely derail the recent improving security situation in Bawku and its environs. The retaliatory shootings must stop, and the soldiers must be firm on this matter and deal swiftly with such dastardly acts,” he said in his statement.
“The retaliatory shootings must stop and the soldiers must be firm on this matter and deal swiftly with such dastardly acts. The security agencies must take urgent steps to ensure the security of travellers in the Bawku area and Walewale route and their environs.”
Furthermore, Ayariga commended the efforts of the security agencies in minimizing casualties during the shooting incident and extended his condolences to the grieving families.
He also conveyed his best wishes for a speedy recovery to those who were injured. Encouraging the youth to uphold the peace that had been established in the region just weeks ago, he called upon the government to earnestly address the underlying issues contributing to the insecurity in Bawku to ensure a lasting peace.
Background:
On September 21, 2023, a tragic incident occurred near the Gbewaa College of Education in the Pusiga District. Unidentified gunmen attacked a convoy of vehicles, including a police patrol vehicle, indiscriminately opening fire. The attack resulted in the loss of nine lives, including six women and three men, while several other passengers, including police escorts, sustained injuries. The assailants emerged from a nearby bush at approximately 8:30 a.m., launching the deadly assault. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with this incident.
