Renowned security analyst Dr. Adam Bonaa has raised a red flag about recent killings in Bawku, saying they could have more to do with terrorist operations.
Dr. Adam Bona’s submission follows a claim made by the chairman of the Bissa Development Association (BDA), Shaibu Musah Gutare, that some criminals have taken advantage of the ongoing Bawku conflict to attack Bissas who have no link to or interest in the feud.
The security analyst says that the impasse in Bawku in the Upper East Region seems to have now gone beyond a tribal conflict between the Mamprusis and Kusasis.
He indicates that the killings recorded recently have pushed him to suspect that terrorists may have infiltrated the town and been involved in carrying out their terror attacks on innocent souls.
“So, as you can see, the conflict has moved beyond the two feuding parties [of] Mamprusis and Kuasasis, and other people are getting killed, so it makes it very confusing,” he said on Midday Live on TV3 on Wednesday, December 28.
“I have probably suggested that are we are seeing some terrorists moving into the Bawku area because Bawku borders the Sankasi area with Burkina Faso and the rest? “so we need to know what is going on.
“The kind of killings we are seeing in Bawku don’t make sense,” he added.
The Chief Executive Officer of Security Warehouse revealed that his suspicions have been fueled by the fact that security installations have been targeted in the conflict, while members of other tribes have also been casualties.
“Kusasis are no longer getting shot at.” As you know, Mamprusis are no longer getting shot, but rather Bissas, Frafras, and Bimobas,” he said.
“You have other people who are getting shot.
“And state assets like power lines, fire trucks, and the rest are being destroyed.
He said the long-standing conflict between the Mamprusis and Kusasis, makes it possible for terrorists to play into it and has therefore urged stakeholders to take a second look at the situation in Bawku.
A recent attack on some Bissa families behind the Winam Zua School, opposite the Bawku Hospital, resulted in the deaths of five Bissas, a situation the BDA has vehemently condemned.
The unprovoked attack by the unknown gunmen took the lives of: 1. Moro Iddrisu (55 years old), 2. Alhassan Issaka (55 years old), 3. Salmata Issaka (75 years old), 4. Fatima Alhassan (12 years old), and 5. Faris Alhassan (5-year-old son of Alhassan).
The attack also left the wife of the deceased, Alhassan, and two of his sisters critically injured and currently receiving medical care. The attackers, who were said to be dressed in military uniforms and wearing bulletproof vests, drove a black pickup to the scene, according to reports.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Bawku has said calm has returned to the area following the reinforcement of security personnel.
Amadu Hamza said that as the Chairman of the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC), he has become the most worried person with regard to the conflict.
He said all efforts and pragmatic measures are being put in place to ensure peace and tranquility return to Bawku.