In a distressing turn of events, Piree-Kaangu , a community located in the Nadowli/Kaleo district of the Upper West Region of Ghana, has been shaken by the brutal death of one of its own. On Friday, March 7, 2025, Mr. Partrick Banoebuuri, a 38-year-old father of four, lost his life in the custody of immigration officers following allegations of sheep theft. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for justice from community members and family alike, revealing the deeper societal issues that beset this tranquil community.
According to sources close to Info Radio, Mr. Banoebuuri was accused of attempting to sell 18 sheep belonging to a resident of Piree-Kaangu, the same community from which he hailed. The sheep were allegedly being offered to a Fulani man in Naro. When the Fulani man arrived at the scene, he became suspicious that Mr. Banoebuuri was not the legitimate owner of the sheep, given the circumstances and the manner in which the sheep were being presented.
Responding to the Fulani man's concern, residents quickly gathered and called upon two members of the Piree-Kaangu community to verify the ownership of the sheep. Their confirmation that the sheep indeed belonged to another resident only deepened the gravity of Mr. Banoebuuri’s situation. In a public confession, the deceased acknowledged that the sheep did not belong to him and agreed to return them to their rightful owner.
After escorting the sheep back to Piree-Kaangu, tensions intensified. While some residents called for a public lashing as punishment for the alleged theft—given that Mr. Banoebuuri had been accused of similar activities in the past—others proposed handing him over to the Naro immigration officers for discipline. Sadly, this decision would ultimately lead to a tragic outcome.
According to his brother, Mr. Banoebuuri Richard, on that fateful Friday, his younger brother was tied and handed over to the Naro immigration officers for disciplinary actions. Hours later, Mr. Richard received the devastating news that his brother had died due to severe beating in custody.
"His body was bruised and mutilated from the back to the buttocks," Richard explained through tears. "There was no justice; it was a brutal murder by the immigration officers, and we want to see them held accountable."
In the wake of this tragedy, the Banoebuuri family has lodged a formal complaint with the Upper West Regional Police. Eyewitness accounts and community sentiment have characterized the actions of the Naro immigration officers as excessive and unwarranted.
"We want justice for our loved one," Richard emphasized. "He was a family man, married with four children, the youngest of whom is just 8 months old. How could they do this?"
The community's anguish reverberated throughout Naro and Piree-Kaangu. Residents expressed their frustration and anger towards the immigration officers, alleging a pattern of abuse and unauthorized arrests. Some even described the officers as a terror to the peaceful residents, with many calling for a thorough investigation into their occupations.
In response to the outcry, the Wa police have initiated an investigation into the death of Mr. Banoebuuri. Reports confirm that two local residents have already been arrested in connection to the incident. Moreover, the immigration officers involved have been summoned for questioning, indicating that authorities are taking the community's concerns seriously.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from various factions. A cross-section of residents from both the Naro and Piree-Kaangu communities have spoken out against the violence and terror allegedly wielded by immigration officers. Many have taken it upon themselves to appeal to the Upper West Police Command to take immediate action against the perpetrators.
"These officers cannot continue to harm innocent citizens under the guise of upholding the law," one resident lamented. "We demand accountability and a deeper investigation into their actions, not only for Mr. Banoebuuri but for all in our community who have suffered unjustly."
As the Banoebuuri family mourns the loss of their beloved father and brother, they seek to honor his memory by ensuring that justice is served. Partrick, described by many as a kind-hearted individual who loved his family, leaves behind four children, including an 8-month-old baby who will now grow up without a father.
The tragic death of Mr. Partrick Banoebuuri raises significant questions about law enforcement oversight, community trust, and the abuse of power. His family and community are left grappling with the untimely loss of a loved one while pleading for justice and accountability.
As investigations unfold, residents, local leaders, and citizens across the region watch closely.
Info Radio will continue to follow this developing story and will speak with local police and immigration authorities for further updates.
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