The conflict in Bawku has once again escalated into a horrifying tragedy, with the gruesome killing of a mother and her two children in Tensungo, a suburb of the Upper East Region. This brutal act, occurring just meters away from a military camp in Bawku Township, has left residents questioning the government’s ability to protect them.
As fear and frustration grow, the people of Bawku are demanding urgent investigations and concrete action to address the worsening security situation.
Speaking on the issue, security analyst Dr. Victor Doke expressed deep concern over the continued violence and its far-reaching implications. He emphasized the need to resolving the conflict, urging a combination of military, intelligence, and civil society interventions.
“It was sad reading and hearing of this [brutal murder]. To actually get to know that women and children, who are placed under the category of vulnerable, could be at the receiving end such as this, is devastating… The big question is, are the people safe? Are the protectors given to the mandate of protecting the lives and the people that they swore to defend? is it the way it is or not? It is going to be challenging for the people to trust the military if the investigations are conducted and is found [to be] military personnel.’’
Dr. Victor Doke Security Analyst
Meanwhile, since the resurgence of the Bawku conflict in October 2024, the official death toll has reached 45, although Dr. Doke believes the actual number is much higher.
He acknowledged that President John Mahama’s visits to Bawku during his early days in office demonstrated a commitment to resolving the conflict. He stressed;
“Any leader who assumes office would like to have an upper hand in internal security. By that I mean any existing conflicts, inter-ethnic conflict, Chieftaincy conflict or whatever conflict that maybe, would like to address it as quickly as possible.’’
Dr. Victor Doke Security Analyst
He warned that if the conflict is not controlled, it could spread beyond Bawku into other regions, as has already been seen in areas like Ashaiman, Tema, and Agbogbloshie.
Challenges in Implementing Security Measures
Dr. Doke acknowledged that security forces have attempted to control the situation by deploying troops and enforcing curfews, but he pointed out that these measures have had limited success. He said;
“The bigger picture, which we haven’t talk for a while is the proliferation of small arms… The youth purchase their arms in a notion of self-defense because they don’t trust themselves.’’
Dr. Victor Doke Security Analyst
To address this, he suggested a nationwide disarmament initiative similar to past programs like ”Weapons for Oil.” He advised that we should have programs where the youth will be willing to surrender their weapons in exchange for economic empowerment. He pointed out that If this is not done, the arms trade will continue, and the violence will persist.
Dr. Doke warned that beyond the ethnic and chieftaincy disputes, criminal elements are exploiting the situation for their own gain.
He called on the national security apparatus, including the Chief Justice, Interior Minister, and army generals, to take a more strategic approach to resolving the crisis. He emphasized that ”we need a holistic approach as a way forward.’’
One of the underlying causes of the conflict, according to Dr. Doke, is the role of politics. He stated that Politicians have historically promised their kinsmen positions of power. When these promises don’t materialize, frustrations grow, and the conflict becomes an outlet for their anger.
Additionally, he alleged that wealthy individual in Accra —many living outside Bawku—are fueling the violence by providing financial support to their factions.
To counter this, he urged the government to strengthen its collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs). He pointed out that groups like the West African Network for Peacebuilding have done great work in setting up early warning systems. These mechanisms he said must be revived and expanded in conflict resolution.
The Role of the Judiciary and the Bawku Conflict
Dr. Doke stressed that resolving the Bawku conflict requires a legal framework that all parties respect.
Dr. Doke further highlighted how recent developments in Nalerigu on February 2023, where rival factions are contesting a chieftaincy title, have complicated the Bawku situation further.
Dr. Doke’s analysis paints a bleak picture of the security situation in Bawku, but he remains hopeful that a strategic, multi-faceted approach can bring lasting peace. He calls for a combination of enhanced intelligence gathering, stronger military patrols, effective disarmament programs, and deeper involvement of civil society in conflict resolution.
Until these measures are fully implemented, however, the people of Bawku will continue to live in fear, and the question remains: how many more lives must be lost before decisive action is taken?
READ ALSO; Davido Fulfills ₦300M Pledge to Nigerian Orphanages
