Two killed in renewed Nkwanta tribal clash

Two people have been shot dead and another seriously wounded following a renewed tribal clash at the farming community of Keri in the Nkwanta-South Municipality of the Oti Region last Sunday.

Their bodies have been deposited at the Nkwanta morgue, while the injured man, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds, is receiving treatment at a hospital.

The violence is linked to the long-standing dispute over ownership of the Nkwanta traditional area involving three ethnic groups, namely the Akyode, Challa and Adele. The protracted conflict has, over the years, led to intermittent skirmishes, resulting in fatalities and the destruction of property worth millions of cedis.

An eyewitness, who spoke to Graphic Online on condition of anonymity, said the renewed violence had come as a shock to residents, particularly as the feuding groups had recently undertaken a peace walk to signal their intention to end the clashes.

As of the time of filing this report, no arrests had been made, although the police have commenced investigations into the incident.

There is currently an uneasy calm in the area, with reports that some residents are fleeing for fear of further attacks.

Meanwhile, the Nkwanta-South Municipal Security Council has convened an emergency meeting to deliberate on measures aimed at restoring lasting peace in the municipality.