Five communities in the Nawuhugu/Kolick electoral area of the Gushegu District in the Northern Region have been set ablaze following violent clashes over the enskinment of a new chief for the Yidaan community.
The affected communities include Yidaan, Busum No. 2, Kukpok, Nagnan, and Nayagil.
The dispute reportedly began after the position became vacant following the death of the former leader, identified as Sakpi.
Members of the Binamob faction insist that the successor should be enskinned by the Zantali-Lana. However, the Bikpaangib faction has rejected that position, arguing instead that the authority lies with the Chief of Nagnan or the Chief of Nasu.
Tensions escalated after the Binamob faction proceeded to enskin their preferred candidate through the Zantali-Lana.
The move was strongly opposed by the rival faction, triggering violent confrontations that spread across the communities, leaving five settlements burnt.
Houses and properties were destroyed, while livestock were also killed. Although no fatalities have been reported, sources indicate that several people sustained injuries.
Residents say they fear the violence could escalate further without urgent security intervention.
In a statement, the Ghana Police Service said a special team of operational officers, supported by armoured vehicles, has been deployed to Gushegu and nearby Karaga to beef up security following the clashes.
The team will work with personnel from the Northern Regional Police Command to intensify patrols in the affected areas and surrounding communities to restore calm and prevent further violence.
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