The Northern Regional Police Command has dismissed claims that it failed to protect the people of Bimbilla despite receiving intelligence of the shooting incident.
According to the Police Command, they provided the needed security but the matter escalated which led to the death of some eight people.
“We picked the intelligence…we provided security but people will not let people reign and that is the repercussion of what is happening now. We have not failed the people of Bimbilla!” the Northern Regional Police PRO, ASP Ebenezer Tetteh, said on Eyewitness News.
[contextly_sidebar id=”4xvgNosrqtKOfP1kwggxroC1lYLkdoqM”]The Police Command also denied allegations by one faction that the Police have arrested the wrong culprits although they know the real suspects who committed the crime.
“Those whose actions have caused this are those we have arrested. We have arrested eight people, they are behind bars and we will ensure that the law takes its cause.”
ASP Tetteh served notice that the Police will not engage in blame games with any faction but it will stick to its resolve to ensure justice is served.
“We will not be swayed by some of these after thoughts and some of these allegations coming from whichever quarters. We are bent on doing what is right and what is legal to ensure that the people of Bimbilla have peace and also to ensure that the violence that erupted yesterday will not happen again.”
Eight people have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a shooting incident at an abattoir.
The incident involved some butchers and guards of the regent of Nanumba following the refusal of the butchers to present a portion of their meat to the chief in the area as demanded by tradition.
Early on Friday, the Police reported that eight people had died but in an interview on Eyewitness News, ASP Tetteh said the number has risen to 12 including a 7-year-old boy.
“The death toll has increased from 8 to 12 including a 7-year-old boy, Mustapha Mubarak so we want to ensure that people like Mustapha Mubarak who have not committed any crime and by the actions of persons, they have lost their lives are protected. So we will not be swayed by some of these allegations,” he remarked.
He also refuted claims that a call was made to the District Chief Executive of the area to inform him of a possible shooting attack.
“The alleged call made to the DCE about the shooting are all allegations and all those making these allegations must come out with further and better particulars to substantiate whatever allegations they are making,” he said.
He indicated that those who are making the allegations now “are the same people who refused to accept expert advice that was given by the security…we advised that they should revise their ways and if you refuse security advis, how do you turn around and blame the Police now?”
By: Efua Idan Osam/citifmonline.com/Ghana