Police Launch Manhunt For 7 Over Deadly Bunkprugu Chieftaincy Clash; Woman Killed, Soldier Injured

Bunkprugu, North East Region -Tension is mounting in Bunkprugu in the North East Region after renewed chieftaincy violence left one woman dead and a military officer injured, prompting police to declare seven persons wanted.

The Ghana Police Service has launched a manhunt for Melchizedek Babotin Musah and six others who are alleged to have defied a court injunction to enskin a rival chief.

Police sources say the trouble started on Saturday when members of the Jamong Family allegedly enskinned Melchizedek Babotin Musah as chief at a secluded location, despite a court order restraining them.

The police had secured an injunction on September 9 against Nyanu Yogbat and six others, restraining them from carrying out the enskinment. This came after a similar attempt on August 18 was foiled by the North East Regional Security Council (REGSEC).

According to reports, the group went ahead with the ceremony and fled the town immediately after the installation.

Later that evening, rival factions from the Jamong and Jafouk families clashed, resulting in sporadic gunshots across the community.

During the disturbances, gunmen reportedly opened fire on a military vehicle that was responding to the incident, leaving one soldier injured. The injured officer has been rushed to a hospital in Bolgatanga for treatment.

A woman was also caught in the crossfire and killed.

The decades-old dispute over the Bunkprugu skin between the Jamong and Jafouk families has been before court since 2016, with several deaths recorded over the years.

Security has since been beefed up in Bunkprugu township, while police say efforts are underway to apprehend the suspects to face justice.