The Government has imposed a dusk to dawn curfew on several communities within the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region following a deadly attack on Odomi that left three people dead and nine others injured.
The curfew, announced by the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, takes effect from Friday, June 19, 2026, on the advice of the National Security Council and by Executive Instrument.
Under the directive, residents in the affected communities will be required to observe a curfew from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily until further notice.
The communities covered by the curfew include Keri, Abrewanko, Abrewanko Junction, Nyambo, Nyambo Junction, Shari, Kromase, Power, Nyakoma, Odomi, Bonakye and Nkwanta.
The latest security measure comes amid renewed tensions in the municipality following a violent incident that has heightened concerns about safety and stability in the area.
Government Calls for Restraint
In announcing the curfew, government appealed to traditional authorities, community leaders and residents to support efforts aimed at restoring peace.
The Interior Ministry urged chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, youth groups and residents of the affected communities to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further inflame tensions.
Government also encouraged community members to channel their grievances through peaceful and lawful means while security agencies work to maintain order.
Authorities stressed that dialogue and nonviolent engagement remain essential to resolving the challenges confronting the municipality. The statement emphasized the need for collective efforts to preserve peace and prevent further loss of life in the affected communities.
Total Ban on Weapons
Alongside the curfew, the government has imposed a total ban on the possession and carrying of weapons within the affected areas. The Interior Ministry warned that no person would be permitted to carry arms, ammunition or any offensive object within the designated communities.
According to the directive, individuals found in possession of weapons or ammunition will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. The restriction forms part of broader efforts by security authorities to prevent reprisals and reduce the risk of further violence.
Officials believe the measure will help create conditions necessary for restoring calm while investigations into the recent attack continue. The curfew follows a deadly assault on Odomi, a community in the Nkwanta South Municipality, on Thursday evening.
Reports indicate that unknown assailants stormed the community in connection with the ongoing conflict in the area, causing panic among residents and triggering another wave of violence in a municipality that has experienced recurring tensions.
The attack resulted in the deaths of three people and left nine others with gunshot wounds. Victims who survived the assault were rushed to the St. Joseph Catholic Hospital in Nkwanta for emergency medical treatment.
Hospital sources confirmed that one of the injured persons died while receiving treatment. Two other victims were reportedly brought to the facility already deceased after being attacked on their farms.
The latest fatalities have heightened fears among residents and renewed calls for decisive intervention to prevent further bloodshed. At the time of reporting, the identities of the attackers had not been established, while the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remained under investigation.
Security Presence Intensified
In response to the attack, security agencies have strengthened operations across the municipality. Military personnel have joined police officers in conducting patrols and surveillance activities aimed at maintaining order and reassuring residents.
The increased deployment is intended to deter further attacks, prevent retaliation and support efforts to stabilize the affected communities. Authorities have maintained a visible security presence in strategic locations while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the violence.
Residents have been encouraged to cooperate with security personnel and provide information that may assist ongoing investigations. The latest violence occurred just days after efforts were initiated to find a long term solution to the protracted conflict affecting the municipality.
Only a week ago, the Oti Regional House of Chiefs announced the formation of a seven member committee tasked with helping to address the recurring unrest in Nkwanta South.
The committee is expected to engage traditional leaders, community representatives and other stakeholders in efforts to identify the root causes of the conflict and recommend sustainable solutions.
Although the committee is yet to be formally inaugurated, many residents had expressed hope that its work would contribute to restoring peace and strengthening dialogue among the affected communities.
The renewed violence has underscored the urgency of those efforts and highlighted the challenges facing authorities in bringing lasting stability to the area.
With the curfew now in force and security operations intensified, attention is expected to focus on preventing further attacks while advancing initiatives aimed at addressing the underlying causes of the conflict.
Government officials have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding lives and property and have urged all residents to support ongoing peacebuilding efforts as authorities work to restore normalcy in the municipality.
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