Barniekrom shooting incident: One more suspect arrested, death toll rises to four

One more person has been confirmed dead in the shooting incident that occurred at Barniekrom, near Mankranso in the Ahafo Ano South West District on July 1. The suspect, Osman Majeed, is currently on the run.

This brings the total number of fatalities to four in the incident allegedly perpetrated by the fetish priest, Osman Majeed.

The police have arrested one Joshua, described as a "person of interest" in connection with the shooting. Joshua was apprehended after items belonging to the key suspect, Majeed, were found during a search in his house on Tuesday night.

On Monday, July 1, Majeed reportedly shot and killed three male adults, claiming they were part of a gang that attacked him in his home.

A police team visited the scene and recovered the bodies of the three deceased, which were then deposited at a morgue. Items retrieved included one motorbike, eight spent cartridges, and four cutlasses.

Nana Kwame Kontoh, Chief of Barniekrom, informed journalists during a visit to the community that another victim had succumbed to injuries, increasing the death toll to four. Residents have expressed fear following the incident and have called for police protection, citing concerns about a potential reprisal attack.

"He was involved in a shooting incident at Jacobu. Consequently, the residents there mobilized and marched to Barniekrom to search for him. However, we heard gunshots from his area, and subsequently, we discovered the lifeless bodies of the victims along the path," Nana Kontoh explained to reporters in Twi.

"We have confirmed that a fourth person has also died," he continued. "The police came here searching for him but ended up arresting his friend based on a tip-off. He is now assisting with the police investigation."

"I have been holding meetings with my committee members regarding the issue. For now, I urge residents to be vigilant about their security and report any suspicious individuals to the police or any opinion leader for further action," he advised the community.