Rising Tensions in Bawku: The Urgent Need for a New Security Plan
Reports from Bawku reveal a concerning development: the police have pulled back from Pusiga, Binduri, and other critical areas, retreating to the Divisional Headquarters in Bawku. This move leaves the military to manage the already volatile security situation on their own.
The recent surge in hostilities has seen Kusasi youth increasingly targeting police officers. The officers are reportedly under threat, fearing they might be sold poisoned food. Some sellers have been warned against serving police personnel, making the environment unbearable, particularly for young officers, some as young as 26.
With the withdrawal, the severity of the violence is expected to rise. The youth in these troubled areas possess sophisticated weapons, which they use indiscriminately. A distressed officer shared on social media the sounds of machine guns firing in automatic mode, highlighting the perilous conditions they face.
Adding to the tension, a social media influencer within the Kusasi youth has incited violence against both police officers and soldiers, aiming to expedite their access to the Mamprusis. This call for violence exacerbates the already dire situation, posing significant challenges for the remaining security forces.
The police officers, feeling overwhelmed and unwelcome, plead for relocation from Bawku, stating that the community is resistant to their peacekeeping efforts. As tensions continue to escalate, there is an urgent need for a revised strategy to restore security and peace in Bawku.
Source: DGN