The North East Regional Minister, Tia Ibrahim, has revealed a harrowing experience where he was held hostage for over two hours and his vehicle vandalized at the Walewale Palace.
The incident occurred on Saturday, amidst tensions and attacks in the area, following the imposition of a 6 pm to 6 am curfew.
Residents have been expressing discontent with the curfew, claiming it’s an ineffective measure to address insecurity and crime along the Bawku, Bolga, Walewale, and Tamale highways.
Ibrahim was engaging with chiefs and stakeholders about the curfew when the incident occurred.
He recounted how the youth began massing up, pelting stones, and eventually vandalizing his car, holding him hostage until a joint police and military team rescued him.
Ibrahim acknowledged that the escalating insecurity is a result of the ongoing Bawku crisis and urged calm among residents while searching for lasting solutions.
He emphasized the need for continued dialogue, stating that there’s no one side to the issue, and that security agencies are in place to enforce law and order.
The Minister also highlighted the Mahama-led administration’s commitment to resolving the crisis, which has claimed over 50 lives.
The incident has sparked concerns about the effectiveness of the curfew and the need for alternative solutions to address the underlying issues of insecurity and crime in the region.
