Residents of Bimbilla on the edge

Bimbilla (N/R), Jan.16, GNA - Verbal threats of fresh attacks from the two factions in the Bimbilla chieftaincy dispute has put fear in the residents of Bimbilla.

Unconfirmed reports indicated that some people were hiding in the bush preparing to cause mayhem in the township, which was under a three-day dusk to dawn curfew. The curfew has since been lifted. Mr. Sayibu Yarifa, Coordinating Director of Nanumba North District Assembly told the GNA on Sunday at Bimbilla that some women had alleged seeing some people carrying food for these combatants in the bush. He said security personnel detailed to the area however, did not find anyone but the allegation had increased fear among the residents. On proliferation of arms in the area, Mr. Yarifa said the people had armed themselves and suggested that the security agencies should conduct a search in the area to retrieve such weapons.

The District Coordinating Director, said the conflict had been limited to the Bimbilla Township but could not rule out the involvement of other people from surrounding communities if the conflict was allowed to escalate.

Mr. Salifu Saeed, Nanumba North District Chief Executive, said some people arrested during the curfew period as well as those arrested during the disturbances would appear before court soon. He appealed to Parliament to extend the curfew for one month to enable the security personnel bring the situation in the township to normalcy.

Meanwhile business activities are going on briskly in the township. Mammy trucks from the southern parts of the country were seen loading yams in almost every community the GNA visited within the district. Some drivers who spoke to the GNA, appealed to those involved in the dispute to give peace a chance by resorting to dialogue to find a lasting solution to the crisis.

They appealed to the Government and the Northern Region House of Chiefs to be firm and take a bold decision on the chieftaincy dispute. Some of them said they were worried because the district was one of the food baskets in the Northern Region in particular and the country as a whole and pleaded that everything possible must be done to maintain peace in the area.