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Heightened tension in Bawku after murder of military officer
Heightened tension in Bawku after murder of military officer
By: Abigail | 2 mins read
Tension has escalated in Bawku, Upper East Region, following the killing of a Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) officer by unidentified gunmen two days ago.
The incident has sparked concerns over potential reprisals, with reports emerging of alleged military crackdowns on civilians in response to the attack.
According to local sources, the slain officer was shot while taking out refuse near his residence. His tragic death has deepened fears in an already volatile area grappling with persistent violence.
In the wake of the killing, Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has urged security forces to exercise restraint and collaborate with local authorities to thoroughly investigate the murder. He cautioned against indiscriminate aggression, emphasizing the need for a measured approach to avoid escalating tensions further.
"I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family and call on the military leadership to work with the local authorities to find those responsible rather than resorting to widespread aggression," Ayariga stated.
The situation in Bawku has been deteriorating in recent months, with violent attacks increasingly targeting civilians and security forces alike. In February, a woman and her two daughters were reportedly killed by assailants dressed in military uniforms, worsening the already fragile relations between residents and the military. Some community members have since called for the withdrawal of soldiers from the area.
Concerns are mounting over possible retaliatory actions by the military following the officer’s murder. Residents fear that security operations could turn aggressive, further endangering lives and property. Many have taken to social media to demand urgent government intervention, urging authorities to uphold their commitment to restoring peace in the troubled town.
The recent killing adds to a string of attacks on security forces in Bawku. On January 6, 2025, armed civilians ambushed a military-escorted bus near the Bawku Prisons Service, killing the driver and injuring several passengers. A week later, on January 16, gunmen attacked a cargo truck traveling from Kulungugu to Bawku at Missiga, though no casualties were reported.
Another deadly ambush occurred on February 10, 2025, when gunmen attacked a passenger bus traveling from Bawku to Bolgatanga at Bazua. Despite military presence, the attack left one person dead and five others injured.
With armed groups now targeting security personnel directly, many fear the security situation in Bawku is spiraling further out of control. Residents remain on edge, anxiously awaiting decisive action from authorities to prevent further bloodshed.
