The Wa Naa Security Taskforce has issued a firm rebuttal against claims made by Stephen Katoule, the assembly member for the Fian electoral area, alleging that its members were contracted to intimidate a local man amid a personal dispute. The taskforce, which was established by the Wa Naa for community safety, insists that its operation on October 15 was misrepresented and based on misinformation.
According to a statement from a taskforce member known as Bush Phone Doctor, the group arrived in Fian following a tip-off regarding suspects who had previously stolen valuable items from his shop. Their intention, he explained, was to ascertain the suspects' whereabouts. However, upon arrival, they encountered a man who reported severe domestic abuse from his brother on his wife, a local miner referred to as a "gallamsey" operator, prompting the taskforce to intervene.
"Upon our arrival, we were informed of a situation involving a woman who was being physically abused, with serious allegations including having her leg broken," Bush Phone Doctor stated. "As a task force dedicated to human and community safety, we felt obligated to act."
According to the taskforce statement, during their intervention, tensions escalated when the alleged abuser brandished a pump-action gun and discharged it into the air, instigating chaos. While some members of the taskforce sought cover, one member, Atta, attempted to ensure the safety of his colleagues before the police arrived. The police had already been alerted about the domestic violence incident and were en route to the scene.
In a series of events that followed, the assembly member intervened, allegedly to protect the accused abuser while failing to stop his arrest. Both the abuser and Atta were taken into custody by the police and transported to the Nadowli police station for further questioning, the taskforce statement added.
In an interview with Info Radio on Wednesday, Mr. Katoule claimed that the taskforce fired their weapons indiscriminately and accused them of illegal operations in the community. He asserted that the taskforce members were allegedly contracted by a local resident to intimidate his brother amid a personal dispute. "The youth of our community, alarmed by the sound of gunshots and the aggressive behavior of those claiming to be protecting us, took action," he said.
Eyewitnesses speaking to Info Radio on the matter reported that some taskforce members fled the scene when confronted by community members. The incident has led to rising concerns within the community regarding the very force established to ensure their safety.
When contacted by Info Radio for clarification, the Upper West Regional police commander, DCOP Mr. Darko Offei Lomotey, confirmed to the media that an investigation into the incident is ongoing. "We are currently gathering information and will ensure a thorough briefing to the public once the investigation is complete," he stated.
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