Armed men block Bolgatanga-Tamale highway, attack passengers

A group of armed men blocked the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway near Gbimsi in the North East Region, setting a vehicle on fire and attacking passengers.

The assailants, armed with AK-47 rifles and other sophisticated weapons, reportedly stopped vehicles in search of passengers from Bawku, a report by Accra-based Citi FM said.

This escalation is linked to the recent resurgence of the Bawku chieftaincy conflict, which has escalated since Saturday, October 26.

The armed men have reportedly burnt one vehicle and attacked several passengers.

One survivor recounted the incident: “I went to Tamale airport this morning to drop someone. On my way back, at Gbimsi, I saw people holding guns and blocking the road. They were burning tyres and said they were looking for Kusasis. They screened me, and I was allowed to pass when I indicated I am not a Kusasi. I saw them beating someone but couldn’t see how it ended.”

Gbimsi, a predominantly Mamprusi community, has been affected by the tensions from the ongoing Bawku clashes.

Efforts to reach the North East Regional Police Command for comment have so far been unsuccessful.