Five highwaymen nabbed

Five Fulani armed men have been arrested by the Police for allegedly robbing a driver and traders on board a vehicle on the Yeji-Wa road.

Emmanuel Bazaawale, the driver of a Benz bus and traders were robbed of their mobile phones and other personal belongings, and an unspecified amount of money on September 26 this year.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Robert Ayalingo, Brong Ahafo Regional Police Commander, who confirmed the story to the Ghana News Agency in Sunyani, explained that when the bus got to a spot between Yapare and Buom, a group of seven armed men wearing masks and wielding guns and cutlasses stopped the vehicle and robbed the victims and fled into the bush.

DCOP Ayalingo said the incident was relayed to the assembly members and unit committee members of Yapare, Zabrama and Buom, mounted road barriers and organised search parties to look for the culprits.

The Regional Police Commander said at about 12:30pm of September 27, residents of Yapare arrested Umaru Abubakar, 22, when he emerged from the bush near the crime scene.

DCOP Ayalingo said when a search was carried out on Abubakar, a shotgun, a cutlass, a torch and a talisman were found on him.

The Regional Police Commander said upon interrogation by the assembly members, Abubakar confessed to taking part in the robbery with six others.

DCOP Ayalingo said at 4:30pm on the same day, the people of Buom arrested Aliu Mallam Abubakar, 37, believed to be the spiritual leader of the group and Mohammed Saliu, 26, with two motorbikes.

Residents of Apesika on the same day also arrested Jayee Fulani, 35, and Umaru Bedu, 25, at the outskirts of Apesika when they also emerged from the bush, DCOP Ayalingo said.

The Regional Police Commander said when a search was carried on Jayee and Bedu, two mobile phones, three mobile phone batteries, two wrist watches, a torch and GH¢220. 00 were found.

DCOP Ayalingo said the suspects who are Fulani men had been placed in custody pending further investigations.

He commended the Assembly and Unit Committee Members and the people for arresting the culprits.