Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, has appealed to residents in Bawku to remain calm following recent shootings.

During an interview on JoyNews' AM Show, he stressed that the situation is currently under investigation, and the findings will be communicated appropriately.

This follows a report by Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, who stated that three additional individuals were killed the previous night, bringing the death toll to 5 within the past 48 hours.

Mr Ayariga claimed they were shot by soldiers who alleged the discovery of firearms on them around 8 pm on Thursday. The situation has heightened tensions in Bawku, and authorities are working to address the concerns and maintain stability in the region.

"Unfortunately, we even had additional killings last night...they hit the three of them mercilessly. The assemblyman tried to intervene, but they refused to listen and they beat these boys and finally shot the three of them," the MP alleged.

Mr. Yakubu, speaking on JoyNews, appealed to the people of Bawku to remain patient while awaiting the results of the investigation.

“It is very unfortunate that it has happened. My condolences to the family and those who have lost their loved ones. It is not easy for someone to lose his or her loved one, but what I am saying is that as politicians, we should be very careful what comes out of our mouths so it does not tear this problem to the highest level. That is all I am saying,” he said on Friday, January 19, 2024.

The Regional Minister explained that, according to the military, the young men were allegedly caught with AK47 guns, which resulted in a gun battle. He further mentioned that his office is working diligently, collaborating with stakeholders, to restore peace in the area.

"The way he [Mahama Ayaria] is talking will not bring pece to Bawuku. So we are doing our utmost best to bring peace to Bawku."

Speaking on the same show, the MP for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, presented a contrasting account, asserting that the military apprehended young men who were peacefully conversing.

According to him, one of the four managed to escape, while the remaining three were subjected to brutality and subsequently shot by the military.

He mentioned that the assemblyman attempted to intervene during the beating but was unsuccessful. Mr. Ayariga stated that he reached out to top military officers to seek clarification on the situation.

"I confronted senior members of the military about the incidence early this morning, and their reason was that they found weapons with them. I said, but you apprehended them. Even if you found a weapon with them when you apprehended them, you should arrest them, take them to the police station, and lock them up. That is where you keep them.”