Story By: Sumali Abdul-Razak
FEAR has gripped residents of Odomi in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region following renewed violence that has claimed three lives and left nine others with gunshot injuries.
The attacks, which reportedly occurred between Thursday, June 18 and Friday, June 19, were carried out by unidentified gunmen, throwing the community into panic and forcing many residents to remain indoors.
The injured victims were rushed to the Nkwanta St. Joseph Catholic Hospital for treatment. Hospital sources confirmed that one of the victims died while receiving medical attention, while two others were brought to the facility dead after reportedly being attacked on their farms.
When Nationaltymes.com visited the area on Saturday, June 20, residents were still living in fear amid reports of possible fresh attacks. The tense situation has disrupted economic activities, with many shop owners closing their businesses while traders and market women hurriedly packed their goods and left market centres for safer locations.
Some residents expressed concern that the worsening security situation could affect education in the area. According to them, several teachers are considering leaving the community for fear of their safety, while parents are worried that students may be unable to attend school if the violence persists.
Security agencies, supported by military personnel, have intensified patrols in the area as investigations continue into the latest attacks.
The violence is believed to be linked to the protracted conflict in Nkwanta South, which escalated in 2021 and involves factions from the Adele, Akyode and Challa ethnic groups. The conflict has over the years resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement of residents.
In response to the renewed violence, the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has announced new curfew hours for the affected area as part of measures to restore peace and maintain law and order.
The latest attacks come barely a week after the Oti Regional House of Chiefs announced the formation of a seven-member committee to help address the longstanding conflict and recommend lasting solutions.
The committee, which is yet to be inaugurated, is expected to engage key stakeholders and work towards ending the recurring clashes that continue to threaten peace, security and development in the municipality.
Residents are appealing to the government, security agencies and traditional authorities to take urgent steps to protect lives and property and bring lasting peace to the area.
Alternative headline: Fresh Nkwanta South Violence Leaves Three Dead as Fear Forces Residents to Flee Markets
Source: Nationaltymes.com
