Bunkprugu gunfire leaves one dead, several injured
An exchange of gunfire between members of the Jamong and Jafok families in Bunkprugu in the North East Region has left one woman dead and several people, including an army officer and a police officer, with gunshot injuries.
Several other civilians are also reported to have sustained gunshot wounds in the incident, which occurred during the night.
The development has renewed concerns over the security situation in Bunkprugu, with calls for the feuding families and the wider Bimoba community to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions.
There are also appeals to the Bimoba people not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to fuel divisions and conflict. The appeal is based on concerns that political actors may exploit existing divisions for political gains, while the communities are left to bear the consequences of violence and displacement.
The situation has also drawn comparisons with the protracted conflict in Bawku, where years of violence have had serious consequences for residents and development, with significant resources being committed to maintaining peace and security.
There are fears that Bunkprugu could follow a similar path if the current tensions are not addressed. The appeal is therefore for the people of Bunkprugu and the wider Bimoba community to reject violence and seek peaceful ways of resolving their differences.
It has also been pointed out that Kusasi communities living around Bunkprugu and within the Mamprugu Kingdom have, in many cases, lived peacefully alongside other ethnic groups, raising questions about why Bimoba people should be persuaded to kill one another over family or political divisions.
Community leaders and stakeholders are being urged to intensify dialogue and work towards restoring calm to Bunkprugu to prevent further loss of lives and protect the peace and development of the area.
Source: Northwebonline.com
