Two Killed in Keri Amid Longstanding Nkwanta Dispute
Fatal shooting leaves community on edge as tensions over township ownership persist.
- Asunke Joseph and Anasechor Bob shot dead while Asunke returned to harvest yams.
- Authorities call for calm and urge residents to provide information while investigations continue.
- Clashes linked to protracted ownership dispute between three ethnic groups in Nkwanta.
Two people have been shot dead in Keri, a farming community in the Nkwanta South Municipality, in what is believed to be a continuation of a longstanding dispute over the ownership of Nkwanta township.
The deceased have been identified as Asunke Joseph and Anasechor Bob. Sources indicate that Asunke Joseph had recently moved to Dambai in the Krachi East Municipality due to ongoing tensions in the area but returned to Keri to harvest his yams when the fatal attack occurred.
Residents reported that the shooting took place late Sunday evening, sending shockwaves through the community and prompting many inhabitants to flee their homes for safety.
Juliana Awasan, Assemblywoman for Keri North Electoral Area, confirmed the incident but declined to provide further details.
The protracted ownership dispute in Nkwanta township involves three ethnic groups and has periodically led to violent clashes over the years, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of property. Some residents expressed frustration, noting that a recent Peace Walk meant to foster unity appeared ineffective.
“Participating in the Peace Walk was just a camouflage, as people have their own agenda,” one resident told the Ghana News Agency on condition of anonymity, questioning whether lasting peace could be achieved under the current circumstances.
Authorities have called for increased security in Keri and surrounding communities to prevent further violence. Security sources confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators. The Municipal Security Council is expected to convene soon to assess the situation and outline measures to prevent reprisal attacks.
The Oti Regional Police Command has urged residents to remain calm and provide credible information to assist with investigations. Officials said that while the situation remains tense, it is currently under control.
