Bunkprugu Chieftaincy Dispute: Police Hunt Seven After Woman Killed, Soldier Shot
Police in Bunkprugu in the North East Region have launched a manhunt for Melchizedek Babotin Musah and six others following renewed violence linked to the town’s long-running chieftaincy dispute.
The latest incident occurred on Saturday after Mr Musah was allegedly enskinned as a rival chief by members of the Jamong Family at an undisclosed location, despite a court injunction restraining them from proceeding with the ceremony.
The alleged enskinment was followed by clashes between rival factions, during which a woman was killed.
Security personnel who moved into the area to restore calm also came under attack when gunmen allegedly opened fire on a military vehicle. One soldier sustained a gunshot wound and was rushed to a hospital in Bolgatanga for treatment.
Police said those allegedly involved in the enskinment fled Bunkprugu shortly after the ceremony and are now being pursued.
Enskinment despite court injunction
On September 9, the police secured an injunction against Nyanu Yogbat and six others, preventing them from going ahead with plans to enskin a rival chief.
The legal action followed an earlier attempt on August 18, which was halted after the North East Regional Security Council intervened.
Despite the court order, members of the Jamong Family reportedly proceeded with the ceremony on Saturday, installing Melchizedek Musah as their chief.
Dispute over Bunkprugu chieftaincy
The latest violence is rooted in a longstanding dispute between the Jamong and Jafouk families over the traditional leadership of Bunkprugu.
Following a ruling by the National House of Chiefs earlier this year, the Jamong Family has been seeking the removal of the incumbent chief, Naa Abuba Nasinmong of the Jafouk Family.
The National House of Chiefs reportedly ruled in favour of the Jamong Family and directed them to engage the Mamprugu Overlord for the necessary traditional remedies.
Naa Abuba Nasinmong has since appealed the decision.
The Nayiri, who is the enskinning authority, has reportedly reaffirmed his support for Naa Nasinmong, further contributing to the disagreement between the two factions.
Police launch manhunt
Speaking to JoyNews’ North East Regional Correspondent, ASP Emmanuel Simtim confirmed that police were searching for those allegedly behind the latest incident.
“We are now looking for them,” he said.
He added that investigations were continuing to establish those responsible for the violence.
“Investigation is still ongoing to find out the culprits,” he said.
ASP Simtim said calm had returned to Bunkprugu and that the situation was under control.
Police investigations are continuing into the alleged breach of the injunction, the reported rival enskinment, the death of the woman and the shooting of the soldier.
