Two in critical condition after landguard attack over cassava farm dispute

Two people are battling for their lives after being shot by suspected landguards during a violent dispute over a cassava farm at Okurase, near Adeiso, in the Eastern Region.

According to the victims, who are natives of Awutu, their ancestors acquired a large tract of land at Okurase many years ago.

Portions of the land were subsequently leased to farmers for cultivation under a traditional arrangement known as ‘Yɛ ma yɛn kyɛ’ an agreement where landowners receive a share of the harvest.

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The victims recounted that their 92-year-old grandmother had given about 10 acres of land to a farmer identified as Anum to cultivate cassava last year.

She later sent her grandchildren to the farm to collect their share of the produce.

However, according to a myjoyonline.com report on October 20, 2025, the victims alleged that unknown to them, the farmers had hired a group of armed landguards, reportedly led by a man nicknamed “Ninja,” who ambushed them in the bush.

“They opened fire, pepper-sprayed our faces, and inflicted deep machete wounds on us. One of us was struck in the eye with a gun, while another was shot in the head,” the victims recounted.

They further claimed that one of the attackers initially ordered that they be killed in a nearby forest, but another intervened and instead took them to the Adeiso Police Station.

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Meanwhile, the Mbratohene of Okurase, Nana Kumavi Amenyanu, has appealed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to intervene urgently to prevent further bloodshed.

He accused the group led by ‘Ninja’ of terrorising residents and forcibly taking over lands in the Okurase area, warning that locals may be compelled to defend themselves if the situation persists.

MRA/VPO

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