The Wa Municipality in Ghana has been plunged into grief and alarm following the brutal killing of a night security guard at the Dobile Electoral Area. The victim, identified as Yahya Issa, popularly known as "Soja," was discovered lifeless in the early hours of Saturday, September 20. This tragic incident has reignited concerns over the state of security in the municipality.
Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Issah Nura Danwana confirmed the distressing event, describing it as deeply disturbing. He acknowledged that residents have long expressed concerns about security issues in certain parts of Wa, particularly with regard to inadequate street lighting.
“Street lights remain a major issue. We have worked on 378 lights and repaired 166, but there is still a deficit of about 400. We are following up with the Ministry of Energy to ensure more lights are fixed. Many dark spots have been lit in recent weeks, but more needs to be done,” the MCE stated.
Despite efforts to improve lighting infrastructure, the crime scene raises troubling questions. The attack occurred approximately 400 meters from a police station and close to the new market, areas that should ideally be under heightened surveillance.
Zakaria Ibrahim, Assembly Member for the Dobile Electoral Area, visited the crime scene and provided harrowing details of the attack. According to him, the victim was a night watchman at the Wa Regional Market. A knife was found lying on his chest, and his face had been severely smashed, with blood flowing from his forehead. Preliminary observations suggest that the assailants may have used a concrete block to strike his head.
“This killing is shocking,” Ibrahim remarked, recalling similar violent incidents in the municipality in past years. However, he noted that unlike previous cases that involved mutilation and removal of body parts, this attack did not include such acts.
The police have since transported the body to the Upper West Regional Hospital mortuary for autopsy and further investigations. Authorities have pledged to uncover the circumstances surrounding this heinous crime and bring those responsible to justice.
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of violent attacks in Wa Municipality over recent years. In 2022, a string of murders targeting private security guards sent shockwaves through the community, prompting intensified police operations. Residents fear that this latest killing may signal a resurgence of such crimes and are urging local authorities to implement stronger security measures.
The lack of adequate street lighting remains a pressing issue in Wa, with many areas still shrouded in darkness despite ongoing efforts to address the problem. While improved lighting is essential for enhancing public safety, residents are also calling for increased police patrols, surveillance systems, and community engagement to prevent further tragedies.
The killing of Yahya Issa serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize security in Wa Municipality. Authorities must act swiftly and decisively to restore residents' confidence and ensure that such an atrocity does not occur again. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of a man who dedicated himself to safeguarding others.
This tragic event underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between municipal authorities, law enforcement agencies, and residents in creating a safer environment for all. The people of Wa deserve to live without fear, and it is imperative that their calls for stronger security interventions are heard and addressed comprehensively.
-Adomonline
Curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
