Driver Transporting Kongo SHS Students Burned to Death Following Bawku Chieftaincy Conflict

In a tragic incident that has left the Upper East Region of Ghana reeling, a driver transporting students of Kongo Senior High School (SHS) from Widana to Bolgatanga met his untimely death on Saturday, November 2, 2024, when armed assailants attacked their vehicle.

According to reports from Adomonline.com, the attackers, in a chilling display of violence, forced the students out of the vehicle, set it ablaze, and left the driver trapped inside.

The horrifying attack unfolded around 1:30 p.m., directly in front of Bawku SHS. It is widely believed that this incident is linked to the renewed chieftaincy dispute in Bawku, which has escalated in recent weeks, claiming the lives of numerous individuals and causing significant unrest in the region.

Escalating Conflict Claims More Lives

This incident comes amid a resurgence of violence in Bawku tied to an ongoing chieftaincy dispute, which has already claimed around 21 lives. Tensions reignited after a rival chief, labeled by the government as “illegitimate,” returned to the area, exacerbating long-standing grievances and sparking violent clashes.

In an earlier incident on Sunday, October 27, gunmen reportedly blocked the Bolgatanga-Tamale road near Gbimsi, a village close to Walewale, where they opened fire, killing eight travelers and further heightening fears among residents and travelers alike.

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Security Concerns as Violence Spreads

The growing wave of violence has raised grave security concerns, particularly in areas around Bawku and Walewale. During the October 27 attack, armed men set up barricades in both Gbimsi and Walewale Town, screening travelers in a deadly bid to identify and target specific individuals.

Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of terror, with some passengers forced to abandon vehicles as the gunmen conducted identity checks. In addition to the eight fatalities, two vehicles were torched, adding a new level of danger to regional travel.

One survivor of the October 27 incident shared a harrowing account of their ordeal, stating, “I was traveling from Sunyani to Paga. Upon reaching Walewale, people had mounted roadblocks and were searching for individuals to kill. The incident lasted for more than an hour, yet security did not respond.” This account highlights the vulnerability and fear faced by residents and travelers in the wake of such brazen attacks.

Renewed Calls for Urgent Security Intervention

The incident involving the Kongo SHS students and the driver’s tragic death underscores the need for urgent security intervention to restore peace and protect civilians caught in the crossfire of the chieftaincy dispute. Community leaders, educators, and citizens are urging government authorities to enhance security measures in the region, particularly along vulnerable routes frequently used by students and travelers.

As the Upper East Region mourns this tragic loss, there is a pressing call for dialogue and resolution to the underlying chieftaincy issues that have fueled this deadly conflict. Until these deep-rooted issues are addressed, peace and security will remain elusive, and more lives may be put at risk in the violence-plagued areas.

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