One Dead, Several Injured in Renewed Clashes Over Festival Rites in Nkwanta South
Clashes erupted during a libation ceremony ahead of the Yam Festival, reigniting ethnic tensions
- One person dead and several injured in early morning clashes in Nkwanta South
- Violence erupted during a libation ceremony ahead of the Yam Festival
- . Authorities searching for a missing woman shot during the unrest
Renewed violence in Nkwanta South, Oti Region, has left one person dead and several others injured, authorities have confirmed.
The clashes broke out in the early hours of Thursday, June 26.
Municipal Chief Executive, Joseph Antwi, attributed the unrest to a confrontation between rival ethnic groups during a libation ceremony ahead of the Yam Festival. According to him, gunshots rang out around 2:00 a.m. when one group attempted to perform traditional rites, which were fiercely opposed by a rival faction, sparking long-standing tensions.
The injured were rushed to the hospital, but tragically, one victim succumbed to injuries around 3 p.m. Mr. Antwi revealed that two young women were shot — one has been hospitalized, while the other remains missing, with authorities deeply concerned for her safety.
Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV, Mr. Antwi said:
“We do not know the whereabouts of the missing young woman as I speak.”
He assured the public that efforts to restore peace and locate the missing woman are ongoing.
The Municipal Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting to address the crisis and prevent further escalation.
