Unconfirmed reports suggest that a violent clash between members of the Sisaala and Dagaaba ethnic groups in the Lambusie District of the Upper West Region has left one dead and another injured.
According to sources, the conflict allegedly began after domestic animals belonging to a Sisaala destroyed crops on a Dagao farmer’s land. In retaliation, the farmer reportedly shot and killed a goat belonging to the Sisaala.
The situation is said to have escalated when another Sisaala allegedly killed a goat belonging to a Dagao after it strayed into his farm. This reportedly triggered further reprisals, including the lynching of a Sisaala, believed to be a retired agricultural officer, by a group suspected to be Dagaabas. A second person, believed to be a Dagao, was also allegedly killed in retaliation by individuals suspected to be Sisaalas.
Reports from the area further suggest sporadic gunfire and the burning of the residence of a former District Chief Executive, Mr. Kofi Dyaka.
Attempts to reach the current District Chief Executive, Hon. Ireneus Naole, who also chairs the District Security Committee, were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off. Efforts to contact the Lambusie District Police Command also proved futile.
Despite the reported incidents, sources indicate that relative calm has returned to the affected communities of Sina and Dindee, which were identified as the hotspots of the clashes.
