A grave incident occurred near Wulugu in Ghana's North East Region, resulting in the deaths of three passengers and the complete destruction of a passenger bus by armed assailants. The attack underscores the escalating security concerns in the region.
The victims were among a group traveling from Kumasi to Garu when their bus suffered a mechanical breakdown near Wulugu. The driver, in an attempt to procure necessary spare parts, left the stranded passengers and travelled to Walewale. It was during this period of vulnerability that armed men launched their attack.
The assailants, whose motives remain under investigation, set the bus alight and fatally shot three young men, all believed to be in their twenties. The scene discovered by responding police officers was horrific. Two bodies were found near the roadside, exhibiting fatal gunshot wounds, while a third victim was located approximately 200 meters away.
The deceased have been transported to the Bolgatanga Hospital morgue for post-mortem examinations and preservation. Efforts are underway to formally identify the victims and notify their next of kin. Preliminary identification indicates two of the victims were of Frafra ethnicity, while the third was an Ashanti man en route to Bolgatanga.
Eyewitness accounts corroborate a chaotic scene. Upon hearing gunfire, passengers dispersed towards the Wulugu community. However, the assailants pursued several individuals, resulting in the tragic loss of life. Police investigators recovered four spent AK-47 shell casings at the crime scene. The area has been secured, and those passengers who sought refuge in local residences are now safe.
While the precise motive for this attack remains unclear, there is speculation of a possible link to the ongoing conflict in Bawku. This incident brings the total death toll associated with the renewed conflict, which began in October 2024, to 49. The severity of this attack necessitates a comprehensive investigation and a robust response from the relevant authorities to address the underlying causes of violence and ensure the safety and security of citizens in the region.
