“We’re all scared,” Garu DCE says as he links deadly shooting to Facebook threats
Garu District Chief Executive, John Abaare, confirms growing fear among residents after a deadly shooting left four dead. He urges swift security action and peace amid rising tension linked to the Bawku conflict.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Garu, John Abaare, has acknowledged that residents of the community are living in fear following a deadly shooting on Monday that claimed four lives and left several others injured.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Abaare said the atmosphere in Garu remains tense and uncertain, as the attackers responsible for the violence have yet to be apprehended.
“I believe the people are scared, and we are all living in fear so long as those behind the attack have not been arrested,” he stated.
The DCE admitted that even though he is expected to stay strong as a leader, the continued insecurity has left everyone uneasy.
“As a leader, I should not be the first to be scared, but as a human being, since we don’t know what is happening, we are all scared,” he confessed.
Mr. Abaare disclosed that he joined security patrols on Tuesday night to help restore calm in the area.
“I embarked on a few patrols last night; the security patrol is still in town,” he revealed.
He suggested that the attack might be connected to the long-standing Bawku conflict, emphasizing the need for peace, vigilance, and unity in the region.
“We are in a beautiful country, but such incidents destroy the peace we cherish,” he lamented.
Mr. Abaare also disclosed that threats were issued on a Facebook page allegedly linked to individuals associated with the Mamprusi community prior to the attack. Although he did not name the account, he expressed concern over how such online threats quickly turn into real-life violence.
“They have also said the next target is a church. It is surprising that people make threats on Facebook, and the next minute they are carried out, and nothing is done about it,” he said.
The DCE called on security agencies to act swiftly to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
“I’m not a security expert, but I believe they can be trailed. The security must be up and doing,” he urged.
Authorities have since increased security patrols across Garu to reassure residents and maintain peace as investigations continue.
