The Ministry of Interior has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Walewale and its surrounding communities in the North East Region following a series of violent disturbances that have claimed several lives and left many injured.
The curfew, which runs from 6 PM to 6 AM, was enacted on the advice of the North East Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to curb further unrest.
“I spoke with National Security, and I can assure you that very soon, you’ll see action,” Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe stated.
The decision follows multiple attacks on vehicles along the Tamale-Walewale-Bolgatanga highway and alleged military brutalities in response to arson incidents linked to the Bawku conflict.
Despite the security concerns, the curfew has sparked outrage among residents, who took to the streets on Saturday to protest against its imposition and the reported excesses of security personnel.
Clad in red, demonstrators stormed the palace of the Chief of Walewale, Mba Duraana, demanding explanations from the North East Regional Minister, Ibrahim Tia.
Unsatisfied with his response, they attacked and vandalized his vehicle before security personnel intervened.
Assemblyman for the Fongni Electoral Area, Mohammed Saani, called for an immediate reversal of the curfew, arguing that Walewale is not part of the Bawku conflict.
“Walewale has no hand in the conflict. If the government wants to address the issue, it must withdraw the curfew and treat the attacks as criminal acts rather than tribal violence,” he stated.
Reacting to the developments, the Member of Parliament for Walewale, Dr. Mahama Tia Abdul-Kabiru, condemned the alleged brutalities and criticized the curfew as a politically motivated decision that does not address the root cause of insecurity in the area.
“The Interior Ministry consulted MPs from Bawku but excluded those of us equally affected. This is not a solution but an unjustifiable punishment of innocent civilians,” he asserted.
He urged the government to strengthen security on the Tamale-Walewale-Bolgatanga highway rather than imposing restrictions on residents.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high as locals call for greater engagement with authorities to ensure long-term peace and stability.
