There is no peace in Karaga – Police

The Northern Regional Police Command says there are signals of escalating turmoil in Karaga and hence the deployment of maximum security men to the area.

The Public Relations Officer for the Northern Regional Police Command, ASP Mohammed Tanko said although the Northern regional town is relatively calm now, the Police cannot take the situation in the enclave for granted.

A Tuesday night violence among supporters of the ruling party in Karaga has caused the District Chief Executive and the party youth organizer who is also the Youth Employment Agency Director to flee the area.

Mr. Alhassan Yabdoo, chairman of the area’s Security Council, and Mohammed Baba Osman all raised security concerns before fleeing to the Regional capital, Tamale to seek protection.

The two were also prime targets of the two day violence that resulted in the burning of a motorbike – an asset of the YEA, and one person being injured.

Speaking on the Police’s response to the disturbances in the area, ASP Tanko said  more personnel have been deployed to help reduce the tension in Karaga.

He however said his men are being tactical to confront the violence in Karaga, because the Police’s assessment show an extremely volatile situation.

“We have augmented the strength of our men on the grounds. They’ve secured the Assembly premises and also the Police stations whiles others are also patrolling to ensure  people are safe. There is maximum security at the place and also people are going about their legitimate activities, but we cannot say there is peace. When you go to Karaga now, there is normalcy at the place but the anger is still there; the people who rampaged are not satisfied with the DCE and also the YEA coordinator. And so we cannot take things for granted. But in our calculation we think we have to wait for a while before effecting arrest,” he told Accra-based Citi FM.