Gunshots at Bimbilla; schools shut down

Gunfire has erupted and schools shut down in a renewed chieftaincy clashes in Bimbilla in the Northern region A house belonging to a subchief has reportedly been set ablaze, Starr News’ Eliasu Tanko has reported.

A joint armed security forces have taken over the Nanumba North district capital after reports of the gunshots while mourners had gathered, Thursday. Residents say the gathering was performing a funeral ceremony and allegedly fired a local weapon in line with tradition, In spite of a complete ban on firearms possession in the region.

Other accounts suggested that the gathering was ‘illegally installing a sub chief’ and that the gunshots was intended to interrupt the ceremony. A health worker from the district capital who pleaded anonymity said there was a gun battle and teachers have taken away their wards from schools. Starr News heard sounds of the exchanges via telephone.

“About an hour ago, we heard that they were about to start the fight and the parents came and took their wards, and so they have closed down all schools in Bimbila, they are now shooting,” the eyewitness said. A secretary to the Bimbila Chief Salifu Gong confirmed the tension and added the palace was fully secured.

The security outfit in the area has been tight-lipped on the issue. Violence returned to Bimbilla in 2014 after a contestant in the longstanding kinship battle between members of the Gbugmayili gate was assassinated. Police say more than 12 persons were killed and several properties damaged after some meat sellers broke custom by refusing to offer sacrifices to Yakubu Dasana Andani whose legitimacy they challenged.