The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has appealed to the public to refrain from sharing images and videos of victims of a terrorist attack on a truck transporting Ghanaian tomato traders in northern Burkina Faso.
He extended condolences to the bereaved families and indicated that government efforts are ongoing to evacuate survivors from the affected area.
According to him, not all families have yet been formally informed of the tragic incident, making the circulation of distressing images particularly painful.
The Minister disclosed that 18 Ghanaian traders — 10 men and eight women — were caught up in a violent confrontation between extremists and Burkina Faso’s armed forces while travelling through Titao.
He noted that several people lost their lives and the vehicles involved were set on fire.
The bodies of the deceased have since been buried by the Burkinabè authorities with the approval of the Government of Ghana, after DNA samples were taken to ensure proper identification.
Despite the tragedy, some survivors managed to escape.
Three men and one woman who sustained serious burns are receiving treatment, while seven other women are reported to be in stable condition.
Arrangements are underway to transfer them to Ouagadougou, where Ghana’s diplomatic mission will provide further support.
“Families of the victims are uncertain. Sharing footage of burnt bodies is not only insensitive but also adds to their trauma. I plead with everyone to stop circulating these images and put themselves in the shoes of the grieving families,” Mr Muntaka said in an interview on Citi FM on February 16.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com