Nkwanta Under Lockdown: Interior Ministry Declares Nightly Curfew Amid Unrest
Residents flee to safety as tribal violence erupts, prompting swift government action
- Nightly curfew from 8 PM to 6 AM enforced in Nkwanta to address tribal conflict
- Clashes leave 3 dead, dozens injured, and over 200 displaced
- Arms ban remains in effect; residents urged to embrace peace and resolve disputes amicably
The Ministry of the Interior has imposed a curfew on Nkwanta Township in the Oti Region, effective Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
The curfew, running from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM daily, follows advice from the Oti Regional Security Council in response to escalating security concerns.
In a statement signed by Chief Director Doreen P. Annan, the government called for calm and urged residents to address disputes through established mechanisms.
A ban on possessing arms, ammunition, or any offensive weapons in the area remains in force, with violators facing arrest and prosecution.
The curfew comes in the wake of violent clashes that erupted on January 16, leaving three people dead and several injured. The conflict, reportedly tribal, involves the Challa, Adele, and Achode groups. Sporadic gunfire and extensive property damage have heightened fear among residents, with many fleeing to nearby towns like Pampawie, Ahamansu, and Kadjebi for safety.
The government emphasized that the curfew aims to protect lives and property while creating a peaceful environment for conflict resolution. Videos shared by Citi News revealed chaotic scenes of gunfire and destruction, as approximately 200 individuals have been displaced by the violence.
