A peacekeeping mission in the Saawie Community of Jirapa turned violent on Friday, December 5, after five police officers were brutally attacked and disarmed by an irate mob. Three AK-47 rifles and a pistol were seized during the chaos.

According to a police situation report, the officers had travelled to the community around 15:40 hours to address rising tensions linked to threats against Fulani herdsmen—an issue that has fuelled long-standing conflict in the area.

The team, led by the Jirapa Municipal Commander, ASP George Doe, was on an outreach mission to invite community and opinion leaders for dialogue. However, their arrival was met with fierce resistance as about 30 residents allegedly launched a violent assault on the unarmed officers, leaving them with severe injuries.

The attackers also forcibly took away the service weapons.

In a swift response, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, ordered a massive reinforcement operation, pulling personnel from Jirapa, Lawra, Wa, Nadowli, and Nandom to stabilise the situation.

Nine suspects have so far been arrested, while local leaders have been given a 24-hour ultimatum to help recover the two remaining rifles still unaccounted for.

Source: Puopeli FM