Upper West Police Recover All Seized Weapons and Arrest Suspects Following Sanwie Attack

Middle: DCOP Francis Yiribaare - UW Regional Police Commander

The Upper West Regional Police Command has announced the successful recovery of all weapons seized from its officers during a violent incident in Sanwie over the weekend. In a press statement issued by DCOP Francis Yiribaare, the Regional Police Commander, and circulated to Info Radio on Sunday, authorities confirmed the arrest of all suspects linked to the attack on police personnel.

According to the statement, more than 30 residents of Sanwie in the Jirapa Municipality assaulted four police officers conducting inquiries related to a community conflict between locals and Fulbe herdsmen. During the assault, the agitated youth disarmed the officers of their service weapons and caused injuries to the officers involved.

The police responded swiftly, mobilizing officers to the scene to de-escalate the tension and ensure the safety of both residents and personnel. The injured officer was evacuated promptly to hospital for medical treatment.

In a latest development, all service weapons, including two magazines that had initially been unaccounted for, have now been retrieved. The police also confirmed the arrest of nine suspects in connection with the incident, who are expected to be arraigned before the Wa Circuit Court on Monday.

The Upper West Regional Police Command strongly condemned the attack on its officers and called on residents of Sanwie and surrounding communities to prioritize the safety of law enforcement personnel. They also urged residents to cooperate fully with ongoing investigations into the disturbances, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining peace and order in the region.

This incident underscores the ongoing tensions within the Sanwie community between residents and Fulbe herdsmen and highlights the need for collaborative efforts to foster peaceful resolutions and ensure the security of both residents and law enforcement officers alike.