I am providing in this write-up, raw information for analysis, as narrated by sources at Zorgo, Baribare, Buabula, Kusolugu and Pusiga as factors accounting for the bloody clashes in Bawku on 16th March, 2022.
Background
00:30 hours GMT
Sporadic shooting in Sabongari which lasted for about thirty (30) minutes.
Both factions retreated in a tactical move.
04:15 hours GMT
Military personnel stormed the Boabula, Zorgo and Baribare area for cordon and search operations, and immediately came under sniper attack by some Youth.
Three (3) soliders sustained different degrees of injuries and were airlifted by Military helicopter to receive medical attention.
The Military then deployed to Sanbogari to enforce security. According to the Sources, “as a result, an unarmed civilian (Issahaku) was chased to his room and shot dead. His lifeless body is now trapped in the room hours after death as no family member can go near it.”
“Another young man was shot in the abdomen by the soldiers and is in critical condition. There are reports of other deaths we are yet to verify.” the Sources said.
According to the Sources, the soldiers have been on rampage since dawn break, burning huts and other venues for youth meetings in the area.
There are unsubstantiated reports that some women and children were tortured.
Commentary
The infamous Boabula event of 2008 where some factional warriors disguised themselves as soldiers (wearing Military uniforms), and slaughtered women and children is a reminder that, anybody dressed in military uniforms and is not a marked Military vehicle likely to be taken as a imposter or foe especially when they sneak up on the communities at night and on foot !
It will be recalled that in December 2021, some soldiers came under attack when they used motorbikes in the area.
As the Sources said, “It is unfortunate and regrettable that these soldiers were shot at in this manner but a careful analysis of the security trends in the area could have averted this incident!”
The boundary separating Sabongari (Kusasis) and Sagabo (Mamprusis) is less than one hundred (100) meters wide (along the road).
It is easy for one daring faction to crossover into enemy territory and shoots indiscriminately and retreat within some few minutes.
According to the Sources, “both factions now know that the Military reacts or responds to the sound of gunshots, and then arrive at the scene; and they shoot to either maim or disperse or even effect arrests.”
Conspiracy Theories
According to the Sources, one of the factions believes that the soldiers were up to something sinister and point out to these past occurrences to shore up their belief:
Most Military brutalities have happened against one faction in their own territories at Sabongari, Gozesi etc
“If a rival faction does not attack them in their communities, there won’t be reprisal gunfire from the other faction” said the Sources.
According to the Sources, since Monday, 14th March, 2022, some Kusasi opinion leaders reportedly relayed information from the Military which suggested that the Kusasi Youth deliberately targetted and shot at the soldiers during the shoot-out which occurred after the murder of the 80 years old Fulani Mallam on horseback, the late Mohammed Boore.
This information was denied outright by the Kusasi Youth until the unfortunate shooting incident happened at Zorgo Barbare and Boubula today, 16th March, 2022!
As at 13:33 hr, there was outrage among the Youth over reports of Military cordon and search of the Palace of the Pusiga Chief, Naaba Tambiss-Baalug Kanwiag.
Sources at Kulungugu hinted that many of the Youth from Zorgo, Baribare, and Buabula run into hiding at Kusolugu near Kulungugu!
It is not over until it is over!
Owula Mangortey
Bawku
16th March, 2022