15 people have been killed in the Bawku conflict- Bawku Naaba’s lawyer

Story by: Joyce Kpeglo

Bawku Naaba’s lawyer, Agbambilla Ziyerley Maxwell, claims that 15 people have recently died in the Bawku conflict.

Agbambilla stated, “For my information, we have currently lost a minimum of 15 people in Bawku and some are being murdered in Walewale,” during an interview with Benjamin Akakpo on Joy News’ AM Show on Monday, October 28, 2024.

He continued by expressing his displeasure with Alhaji Seidu Abagre’s return, who had been exiled since being installed as a rival chief in February 2023 after his arrest warrant was revoked by the Kumasi High Court on October 17, 2024.
Attorney Agbambillia attributed Alhaji Seidu’s return to the Attorney-General’s mistakes.

“We were told that the Attorney-General didn’t even put in a response so the Court had no choice but to revoke his (Alhaji Seidu Abagre’s) arrest warrant,” “the Attorney-General simply could have issued another arrest warrant but he didn’t do that,” he further explained.

According to Agbambilla, the Bawku Naaba is unhappy with Alhaji Seidu Abagre’s return.

The persistent conflict in Bawku, caused by chieftaincy disputes, flared out again when Alhaji Seidu Abagre, a rival chief who had been in exile, returned to the town.
This return sparked increased tensions between factions, resulting in violent clashes and the loss of several lives.

As a result of the dispute, armed individuals set up roadblocks along the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway, particularly at Gbimsi, attacking targeted Bawku travellers.
On Sunday, October 27, 2024, eight people were reported dead as a result of the highway attacks, and two vehicles were also burned.

The Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces have, however, reassured the public that strong measures are in place to stabilize the situation.
In a statement, security authorities confirmed the deployment of joint police and military forces to control the situation in Bawku and safeguard the Bolgatanga-Walewale-Tamale route, with an emphasis on maintaining law and order and assuring traveler safety.