Bawku Conflict: Four Killed in Broad Daylight Attack in Garu; Chief, Headteacher Among Victims

The Bawku conflict experienced one of its bloodiest days on Monday when unidentified gunmen opened fire in broad daylight in Garu, killing four people and injuring many others.

The victims included a staff member from the health insurance office, a local chief, and a headteacher. According to John Abaari, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Garu, four unidentified gunmen on two motorbikes carried out the deadly attack at the Garu Health Insurance office and nearby locations around 10 a.m. “The assailants stormed the premises and opened fire indiscriminately before fleeing,” Abaari reported.

“They wore masks and helmets to conceal their identities and donned smocks, likely to hide their weapons,” he added.

Link
The DCE noted that everyone is linking the shooting to the ongoing Bawku conflict. After attacking the NHIA office, the gunmen continued their assault by targeting bystanders and fleeing residents, resulting in the deaths of a headteacher and the chief. Notably, the attackers did not steal anything from the NHIA office.

Panic
“There is a public school located near the health insurance office, and when the shooting began, teachers and pupils ran in panic. The gunmen pursued them, and when one of the teachers fell, they shot him dead,” recounted the assembly member for the area.

The gunmen managed to steal a new motorbike from one of their victims before escaping.

Security
By 2 p.m. on Monday, security measures had been ramped up in Garu, with heavily armed police and military personnel patrolling key areas, including the District Health Insurance Office and the Presbyterian Hospital.