Wechiau Traditional Area Demands Independent Probe into Death of ‘Master One’ in Police Custody

The Wechiau Traditional Area in the Wa West District of the Upper West Region has called for an independent investigation into the death of a youth leader, Tijani Abu, popularly known as “Master One,” while in police custody.

In a press statement signed by the Paramount Chief of the Wechiau Traditional Area, Naa Imori Nandong Gomah II, the traditional authority said Tijani Abu was arrested at his workplace in Wechiau on July 25, 2026, by personnel of the Wa West District Police Command and subsequently transferred to the Upper West Regional Police Command in Wa.

The traditional authority alleged that Tijani Abu was assaulted while in custody and later died. It also questioned the circumstances surrounding his arrest, which it said was linked to an alleged murder in connection with the recent communal conflict between Kandeu and Toulu.

The statement further alleged that several other young people had been arrested in connection with the conflict and accused the police of bias in their handling of the situation.

The traditional authority also expressed concern over an incident on July 28, 2026, during a protest in Wechiau following Tijani Abu’s death, alleging that police officers fired live ammunition into the crowd, resulting in injuries to three people.

While condemning violence and communal conflict, the Wechiau Traditional Area called on the Upper West Regional Minister, the Police Administration, CHRAJ, the Interior Ministry and the President to ensure an immediate and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Tijani Abu’s arrest, transfer and death.

It also called for investigations into the conduct of the police officers involved and the alleged shooting during the protest, urging that anyone found culpable be prosecuted according to law.

The traditional authority appealed to the people of Wechiau and the wider Wa West area to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

The statement said the people of Wechiau remain committed to peace but want justice for Tijani Abu and lasting peace in the Wa West District.

Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Wa West, Peter Lanchene Toobu maintained that lasting peace could only be achieved through dialogue, compromise, mutual respect and reconciliation.

He urged traditional authorities, religious leaders, youth and women’s groups, civil society organisations and residents of Wa West both at home and abroad to support peacebuilding efforts.