POLICE OFFICER HOLDS TALKS WITH FEUDING MUSLIMS

Akim Oda (E/R), Feb. 8, The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations , Mr Johnson Abudu, on Tuesday, held discussions with the Zongo community at Akim Oda in an effort to help bring lasting peace among Dagombas and Kotokolis there. The meeting followed last week's religious clash between the two ethnic groups which left six people dead and ten houses belonging to the Kotokolis burnt down. While the Dagombas attended the meeting in their numbers, only a few Kotokolis could attend since the majority have fled the town.

Mr Abudu advised all the ethnic groups in the area to live in harmony and warned that anyone who would be caught causing trouble would be dealt with according to the law. He appealed to those who fled the area to come back, saying that the police will continue their day and night patrol until law and order is restored. Mr Abudu said the police will ensure that all the perpetrators of genocide are prosecuted.

The Birim South District Co ordinating Director, Mr A.A. Ampong, advised all Muslims in the area to guard against the occurrence of such incidents to help protect the good reputation of the district. He reminded the Muslim group that though there is freedom of worship, the district security committee will not look on unconcerned for people to take the law into their hands under the guise of religious freedom.

The six casualties who have been identified as Ibrahim Zakari, Alhassan Zakari, Abubakari Adamu, Seidu Anam, Mallam Awudu and Abubakari Afpha, have since been buried. Meanwhile, classes are yet to resume in all the three schools in the community Birim local Authority Primary and Junior Secondary Schools and the Islamic Primary School.