Ejurahene declares ‘war’ on nomadic herdsmen; de-stools a chief

The President of the Ejura Traditional Council in the Ashanti Region has de-stooled one of his subjects over his alleged role in aiding some nomadic herdsmen linked to violent crimes in the area, according to reports.

The action against the subchief of Miminase #2 Nana Obiri Yeboah on Sunday (November 27), comes after a police officer was shot and killed by unknown gunmen said to be hiding in the town. He was also queried about his failure to report the influx of nomadic herdsmen in his jurisdiction, exposing inhabitants to serious security risks.

“One of these nomadic herdsmen men brought his mobile phone for me to charge, I saw a video of him and three others holding AK47 guns in a bush, I later saw them on my farm after some months holding the same guns, and I informed the authorities in the community but they failed to act upon it”, a resident was quoted by OTEC FM as saying.

Barima Osei Hwedie II who was at a public forum immediately asked the local Zongo Chief, Assemblyman, and Imam to be caretakers of the community.

“Odikro has disappointed all of you. During our first meeting, he denied claims that there were nomadic herdsmen in his area but reports suggest most of the suspects were arrested at Mimenase #2. And this is unfortunate. I have therefore issued a one-week ultimatum to the nomadic herdsmen to relocate or face forceful eviction. But for now, the Zongo Chief, Assemblyman, and Imam now take charge until a new subchief is named”, furious Osei Hwedie II said, as he condemned his subchief for failing to prioritize the safety of inhabitants.

The traditional ruler also urged the locals to form a taskforce and report any suspicious activity to the police for immediate action.

Friday’s incident brings to four the number of victims believed to have been killed during suspected robberies and other violent crimes within a month.

The Municipal Security Council appears overwhelmed by the growing security threats and is seeking the intervention of the Ghana Army to deal with the menace. Dr. Kingsley Osei is the Municipal Chief Executive for Ejura/Sekyedumase.

“In all situations, these crimes are perpetrated by Fulanis and so strategies have been marshalled by the security agencies. We are going to beef up the patrol team and make sure we nip this in the bud. We are also preparing a place for the military to come down and settle permanently. And we are praying that when they come their presence will prevent such crimes”, the MCE said.

Ejura was in the news last year after the gruesome murder of Ibrahim Mohammed also known as Kaaka sparked a protest in the town. A committee tasked to investigate the circumstances surrounding the violent clash that led to the death of two people recommended that local policemen should be resourced to discharge their duties.

SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH