Six to six curfew still in force in Bawku

Accra, June 23, GNA - The Ministry of the Interior announced on Monday that curfew imposed on Bawku municipality and its environs in the Upper East Region following hostilities between the Kusasis and Mamprusis has been renewed for another week from June 23. The curfew hours still remain from 1800 hours to 0600 hours each day. Interior Minister Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor in a press release announced that the curfew would be subject to revision depending on the security situation in the area.

The renewal of the curfew was based on the advice of the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC), the press release said.

"Government is very much concerned about the renewed hostilities between the Kusasis and Mamprusis in the Bawku Municipality and continues to urge all citizens and well-meaning people in the area to exercise the utmost restraint to give peace a chance," the press release said. The Government assured the nation that the National Peace Council, which it mandated to help find lasting peace to the conflict, would continue to engage the parties in its peace efforts.

The Government, meanwhile has reminded the public that the ban on all persons in the Bawku Municipal area, Zabzugu, Binduri, Pusiga and Zoosi townships and their environs from carrying arms, ammunitions or any offensive weapon still remains in force, and any person found with any arms or ammunition would be arrested and prosecuted.

Meanwhile, 10 people were reported killed on Saturday and seven others injured in Buabula, near Sabongare in the Bawku Municipality in a retaliation bid after a Mamprusi man was allegedly killed by Kusasis. The seven injured have been transferred to the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital for medical attention. The event happened when one Mr. Abugre Zakaria alias Amengo, a Mamprusi man lost his horse and went together with two colleagues to search for it at Buabula, near Saboogare on Saturday at about 1700 hours. While in the process of searching, they were kidnapped by some people believed to be Kusasis. Amengo's colleagues managed to escape but he was killed. In retaliation, it was alleged that a group of Mamprusis disguised themselves and also marched to the area where their compatriot was murdered and killed the 10 people, who were mostly women, children and the aged. Mr Peter Mawong, Divisional Police Commander of Bawku, confirmed the story to the GNA.

Mr Emmanuel Abanga, District Chief Executive (DCE) of the Area, said the situation was under control and that those who would be found culpable would be arrested and dealt with.