Three people have been confirmed dead while 34 suspects have been arrested following a deadly shooting linked to a chieftaincy dispute at Funsi in the Wa East District of the Upper West Region.
The violence, which erupted on the night of May 22, 2026, has heightened tensions in the community and triggered a major security operation by the Upper West Regional Police Command aimed at restoring calm and preventing further clashes.
Citi News reported that police responded to distress calls of a shooting incident in the Gbelonosi section of Funsi, where two people were initially reported dead.
When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered the bodies of 37-year-old Fufulu Nandug and 22-year-old Yussif Samahan. During subsequent operations in the area, investigators also found the body of a third victim, identified as 20-year-old Amadu Lukman.
The Regional Police Commander, Francis Yiribaare, later led a reinforcement team to the community to support investigations and strengthen security as tensions escalated over the longstanding chieftaincy dispute.
Police also retrieved several items believed to be connected to the violence, including a shotgun, bows and arrows, gunpowder, spent cartridges, talisman-embedded smocks, and a medallion reportedly linked to rival factions in the community.
According to the police, all suspects and the retrieved exhibits have since been transported to Wa to assist with investigations and possible prosecution.
The Police Administration extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured the public that anyone found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, the Regional Police Command has appealed to residents of Funsi to remain calm, avoid reprisals, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid investigations.
Police further indicated that intensified patrols and additional security personnel have been deployed to the area to maintain peace and prevent further violence.
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