Military brutality erupts in Walewale after vehicle incident leaves residents in fear

A shocking wave of military violence has erupted in Walewale in the North East Region, leaving residents in fear and distress.

The incident reportedly began after a vehicle loaded with pepper caught fire and burned, prompting a massive military response that escalated into a chaotic scene in the town.

Eyewitness reports indicate that the burnt vehicle, which was travelling from Bawku to Accra, suffered an electrical fault, leading to the fire.

However, the military’s reaction to the incident quickly spread beyond the vehicle, resulting in the brutal treatment of civilians.

Victim testimonies detail the extent of the violence

Victims who spoke to 3News’ regional correspondent shared harrowing accounts of the violence they endured at the hands of soldiers.

One resident recounted how people in the town were caught off guard by the sudden appearance of armed soldiers.

“We saw some people running from the top of the town, and somebody told us to pack our things and lock our rooms. Suddenly, we saw policemen being beaten, and then the soldiers started beating anyone they could catch. They even pulled a young girl aside and smashed her phone,” the victim recounted.

Another victim described how military personnel surrounded a base where some locals had gathered, forcing them to lie on the ground without explanation.

“We were just sitting at our base when, suddenly, we saw military men surrounding us. They made us lie down and started carrying us away. I was holding my food, and I hadn’t even eaten yet, but they threw it away and started beating us. We don’t know why this is happening. We need justice,” he said.

Calls for accountability and justice

The victims have called on authorities to investigate the actions of the military and hold those responsible accountable. They are demanding justice and clarity on why the incident escalated to such an extent.

“If they want this to escalate, then they should continue doing this. But we will not sit down for this to happen. It will go viral, and that’s why we are talking to the media,” one victim stated, emphasising the need for immediate intervention to prevent further unrest.

The town of Walewale, already grappling with socio-political challenges, now faces additional concerns over the security and safety of its residents following this incident.

The fear of more military brutality has left many residents anxious and uncertain about what the future holds.

Background on military presence in northern Ghana

The North East Region, particularly towns like Walewale and Bawku, has seen an increased military presence in recent years due to rising tensions in the area.

However, the latest incident highlights ongoing challenges in managing military-civilian relations in these conflict-prone regions.

Local leaders have often called for better engagement between security forces and residents to foster mutual trust and prevent incidents of excessive use of force.

However, the events in Walewale have reignited concerns over the military’s approach to maintaining law and order.

As the government works to stabilise the situation, there is growing pressure to ensure that such incidents are thoroughly investigated and that those responsible for the violence are held accountable to prevent a recurrence.

The post Military brutality erupts in Walewale after vehicle incident leaves residents in fear first appeared on 3News.

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