A chieftaincy dispute in Anum Apapam, a small township in the Eastern Region, has turned deadly, resulting in the tragic loss of one life and leaving several others injured.
The incident occurred on a day that was supposed to be a celebration, as one faction had installed a new chief and was carrying him in a procession to the market square.
However, the festivities quickly turned violent when a rival faction opposed to the new chief’s installation clashed with the celebrants, leading to a crossfire that sent marketgoers running for their lives.
Market women, who had set up their stalls for the day’s trading, were forced to flee in panic, abandoning their goods and wares as they sought safety.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people screaming and running in all directions as the sound of gunfire filled the air.
The township, which is normally a peaceful and quiet community, was left in a state of shock and unease following the incident.
Tensions remain high in the area, with concerns of a potential reprisal attack looming large and many residents fearing for their safety.
The authorities have deployed security personnel to the area to maintain law and order and prevent any further violence.
The chieftaincy dispute that led to the violence is just the latest in a long line of similar conflicts that have plagued the Eastern Region in recent years.
The incident highlights the need for urgent attention to be paid to addressing the root causes of these disputes and finding lasting solutions to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
