Hon. Stephen Yakubu, the Upper East Regional Minister and Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has called on Chiefs at Bongo- Soe in the Bongo District to intervene in recent conflict in the area to ensure peace returns to the community.
A Fulani man allegedly attacked an indigene in the Bongo-Soe community on March 28, 2023 which resulted in reprisal attack on the Fulani settlers in the community, and led to destruction of properties.
The REGSEC Chair said if the Chiefs failed to resolve the issue within a week, he might be compelled to involve the State security agencies to bring peace to the area.
Hon. Yakubu was speaking at a meeting at the Bongo District Assembly during its District Security Council deliberation to find an amicable solution to the conflict.
The Minister described the action of the rampaging youth as illegal and unwarranted which must be condemned in no uncertain terms, and said the actions of citizens must be guided by the 1992 Constitution.
He emphasised that no one had the right to take the law into their own hands, even if they were attacked, “They must report to the Police for the necessary arrest to be effected.”
He advised the Chiefs to exercise their traditional authority effectively and not allow the youth to misbehave as the aftermath of such unruly behaviours might be in bad taste for the image of the country.
Hon. Yakubu earlier presented the outcome of investigation from a fact-finding Committee on the violence to the Paramount Chief of Bongo, Naba Baba Salifu Atamale Aleemyarum.
The report identified communication gap as a factor and the neglect of the constant threats by the Fulani on the life of the natives, but was denied by the Fulani community.
The report recommended that a parcel of land should be developed for cattle to prevent them from destroying crops of people, and called on the Assembly to construct a school for the children in the area to acquire formal education so that they do not grow to become social misfits.
The Naba Aleemyarum commended the REGSEC for its tireless efforts to ascertain the facts on the ground and asked for God’s grace to resolve the crisis.
He assured the REGSEC and the Committee that the Paramountcy would ensure the conflict was resolved to propel development in the District.
Source: Upper East Regional Coordinating Council
