The recent actions of the military in Walewale have sparked widespread condemnation, with concerns over human rights violations and excessive use of force.
Hon. Dr. Atiah Abdul-Kabiru Mahama, the Member of Parliament for Walewale, has expressed his strong disapproval of the military’s actions, highlighting the dangers of unchecked security operations in civilian spaces.
Addressing the issue on the floor of Parliament, he called for immediate government intervention to prevent further escalation.
According to Hon. Dr. Mahama, military personnel went on a rampage and brutalized several people who were leisurely sitting at a popular National Democratic Congress (NDC) base. He strongly criticized their conduct, stating:
“Mr. Speaker, whilst the frustration of the security personnel is understandable, the professionalism required of them was betrayed. They were utterly careless, and a minute of due diligence could have saved the situation.”
Dr. Atiah Abdul-Kabiru Mahama MP for Walewale
He acknowledged the subsequent apology from the military but insisted that such incidents must not recur. The encroachment of civilian space by the military, he warned, was a dangerous precedent that needed to be curtailed.
Assault on Journalists
The MP also condemned the assault on two journalists during the military raid.
“Mr. Speaker, the actions of the military are as detestable as the attack of travelers by criminals. By their actions, the military is complementing the criminal adventure of the bandits on the highway and must be investigated, and perpetrators brought to book.”
Dr. Atiah Abdul-Kabiru Mahama MP for Walewale
He called for an independent investigation into the incident, emphasizing that those responsible must face the consequences of their actions.
In response to the reprisal attacks in the area, the Minister of Interior imposed a curfew on Walewale and its environs.
“Mr. Speaker, this decision is heavy-handed and the first of its kind to be imposed on a community that is relatively peaceful, without prejudice to the activities of the bandits in the area. It does not make sense to punish residents in these communities because most of them are just victims.”
Dr. Atiah Abdul-Kabiru Mahama MP for Walewale
He argued that curfews should be used as a last resort and not as a blanket measure that affects law-abiding citizens who have no connection to criminal activities.
One of the key points raised by the Walewale MP was the fact that the attacks on travelers occurred during the daytime, outside of the curfew hours. This, he argued, made the curfew ineffective in addressing the real security threat.
Given this reality, he appealed to the government to lift the curfew and focus instead on measures that would restore normalcy and enhance security in the area. To ensure the safety of travelers and residents, Hon. Dr. Mahama proposed;
“The Interior Minister should enhance the patrols and escort for travelers on the affected roads.”
Dr. Atiah Abdul-Kabiru Mahama MP for Walewale
He also pointed out that while there have been incidents of attacks on vehicles under military or police escort in some regions, Walewale has not experienced such occurrences. As such, he urged the government to adopt this strategy in Walewale, believing it would be an effective solution to the security challenges in the area.
Hon. Dr. Atiah Abdul-Kabiru Mahama’s statements underscore the urgency of addressing the security crisis in Walewale. His concerns about military brutality, the unfair imposition of a curfew, and the need for better security measures highlight the delicate balance between maintaining order and respecting the rights of civilians.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these pressing issues and whether it will uplift the Curfew on the people of Walewale or not.
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