A 55-year-old Yiidana, a chief, and his son were shot and killed at the chief's palace in Gushegu on Tuesday night. The Municipal Chief Executive for Gushegu, Abdul Hafiz Adam, says the attack was a targeted assassination.
MCE Reveals Details of the Attack
According to Mr Adam, three gunmen entered the palace at about 11 p.m. on Tuesday and initially confronted young men outside the residence. The young men fled, after which the attackers approached the chief's wife and asked about her husband before forcing their way into the chief's room.
The chief and his son were subsequently shot and killed. Mr Adam said the attackers were not masked and that the chief's wife was able to identify some of them.
Investigation Underway
Mr Adam said the chief's wife was able to identify the attackers and provided names to police. Additional names came from other witnesses who said they recognized some of the men. All of the information has been turned over to security agencies for follow-up.
The Regional Police Commander has pledged a full-scale investigation to establish the circumstances and motive behind the killings and apprehend those responsible. The Regional Minister has also met with members of the bereaved family and appealed for restraint following the incident.
Fear and Reprisals
The MCE cautioned residents against reprisals, saying any retaliatory action could worsen an already tense situation. He said the attack has caused fear among residents, with most people leaving the community since the incident. Only members of the chief's family have remained in the area, describing the town as quiet but tense as residents stay away for fear of further attacks.
Authorities are therefore appealing for calm while the security agencies pursue the suspects and work to establish the motive for the killings. The MCE stressed that, based on the circumstances of the attack, authorities believe the chief was specifically targeted.
Aftermath and Next Steps
The District Police Command has already transported the bodies to Tamale for autopsy. Municipal and regional officials have arrived at the community, and the Regional Minister has met with the bereaved family. The situation remains tense, with authorities urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with the investigation.
The outcome of the investigation will likely determine the course of action for the community. For now, residents are left to grapple with the loss of their chief and the uncertainty surrounding the motive behind the attack.
Source: Joy Online
