In the midst of ongoing land and chieftaincy disputes, the Police have taken three individuals into custody and are actively pursuing additional suspects connected to the violent attacks on Mempeasem and Lukula communities in the Savannah Region.

According to police reports, on May 30, 2023, a group of about fifty assailants stormed the Mempeasem community, resulting in the kidnapping of a 50-year-old man. However, when law enforcement responded to the attack, the gang fled into the nearby bush.

Fortunately, the police were able to rescue the kidnapped victim and recover an AK-47 weapon, along with 14 rounds of ammunition, seven motorbikes, and two bicycles from the scene of the incident.

“Further search for the suspects in the area led to the discovery of a bag containing 240 AK-47 ammunition,” stated the police in a press release.

“On June 1, 2023, while patrolling the communities, the police received another distress call regarding an attack by another gang in the Lukula community.”

Upon sighting the police, the suspects, who were on a rampage, setting houses ablaze and firing shots indiscriminately, opened fire at the law enforcement officers. In response, the police swiftly retaliated, apprehending three suspects identified as Razak Sulemana, Musah Shanun, and Karim Abdul Rafiuw.

The three suspects sustained gunshot wounds during their arrest and are currently receiving medical treatment.

“A search conducted on them resulted in the discovery of a pump-action gun, two single-barrel guns, a long knife, 80 live cartridges, as well as talismans and cowries,” added the police.

Despite restoring peace in the area, the police received information indicating that an 81-year-old man from the Lukula community was allegedly shot by the marauding gang while working on his farm. The police promptly visited the farm and, with the assistance of the victim's children, transported him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead by medical authorities. The body has been deposited at the hospital for preservation and an autopsy.

“Following the encounter with the suspects and their subsequent arrests, some individuals believed to be sympathizers of the detainees attacked the Daboya Police Station, causing damage to parked patrol cars and damaging louvre blades within the barracks. Nevertheless, the police successfully repelled the attack and restored order,” explained the police.

Calm has now been reinstated, and security has been reinforced in Daboya and the surrounding communities to prevent further attacks. Ongoing efforts are being made to apprehend the culprits, including those who targeted the police station, to ensure that they face justice.