Three persons have been confirmed dead, after a bloody clash between Fulani herdsmen and local farmers at Akokoa, a farming community in the Atebubu/Amantin District of the Brong-Ahafo Region on Saturday, January 23, 2010.
The deceased have been identified as Eranious Pitanzy, 55, Asomaa Osman, 35 and one Fulani man who is yet to be identified. Their bodies have been deposited at the St. Matthias Hospital Morgue at Yeji, in the Pru District, pending autopsy. When contacted, the Atebubu Divisional Police Commander, ASP John Adusei, revealed to The Chronicle that some cattle belonging to the Fulani herdsmen, invaded and destroyed farms of the people in the area, which resulted in a misunderstanding between the farmers and the herdsmen.
According ASP Adusei, during the hot exchanges, a Fulani herdsman reportedly pulled a gun and shot one of the farmers. When the youth of Akokoa heard of the shooting, they mobilized themselves, and mounted a road blocks on the outskirts of the town, where they searched vehicles going through the town. The search led to the identification of two Fulani men, who were reportedly travelling from Kete Krachi to Kumasi, resulting in their being lynched.
According to ASP Adusei, no arrests had been made, but the police were doing their possible best to apprehend those involved in the killings. Police and the military are also patrolling the area to avert further escalation of the violence.
Meanwhile, at the time of filing this report, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, and members of the Regional Security Council, were at the place trying to mediate in the conflict.
<<Print>>