One shot, Chief injured in Damongo Chieftaincy battle

A young man was reportedly shot and his father, a sub-chief, sustained cutlass injuries in a deadly chieftaincy reprisal attack Thursday morning in Damongo.

Sources at the Damongo hospital where the two were being treated identified the victims as Jalil Abubakari (son) and Zanzowura Abubakari Sanefunu (sub-chief).

The sources added the sub-chief was being treated for an eye and head injuries.

The attack was between supporters of two chiefs installed by different authorities in the traditional area.

A candidate chosen and installed as king for Damongo by the traditional kingmakers was rejected and a different royal installed by the Yagbonwura, Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom.

Both authorities went on to separately coronate the two royals as kings creating deep divisions resulting in intermittent clashes.

Thursday’s revenge attack according to Starr News sources was as a result of a previous attack on a Kingmaker who has been repeatedly accused of disrespecting Yagbonwura Tutumba Bore Essah I.

Alhaji Abass Dangba was reportedly pushed off from his motorcycle and beaten with sticks in an ambush attack by supporters loyal to the Damongowura installed by Yagbonwura.

He told Starr News that he was attacked upon returning from a police station where he went to negotiate an inquiry bail for his son arrested for self-defence in a separate attack.

“On my way to the house one subchief called Zanzowura and his boys, three of them, when I was riding by their place pushed me on some firewood and started hitting my head with dry sticks”

Supporters loyal to the Damongowura installed by the Kingmaker got infuriated and revenged after Alhaji Abass’ house was again attacked with stones.

Alhaji Abass has appealed to police for protection but said for the moment they will defend themselves with “sticks, cudgels and cutlasses”.

Representative of the other faction was not readily available for comments.

Police in the area were unable to confirm or deny the incident but suggested they were ready to quell any ‘confrontation’.

Several calls to the district police commander ASP Seidu Wemah went unanswered after he promised to comment on the matter.