Eight travelers have tragically lost their lives after gunmen blocked the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway near Gbimsi, a community close to Walewale, and opened fire. The armed men reportedly set up roadblocks on Sunday in both Gbimsi and Walewale Town, stopping vehicles to identify and target specific individuals. Approximately eight people were killed in the ambush, and two vehicles were set ablaze.
A survivor, who was traveling from Sunyani to Paga, recounted the ordeal, describing how assailants mounted roadblocks and were searching for people to attack. The incident reportedly lasted over an hour, with no immediate response from security forces.
The attack is believed to be related to the renewed tensions from the Bawku chieftaincy conflict, which has recently escalated after a period of calm. In response, the Ghana Police Service has promised to increase security along the Bolgatanga-Walewale-Tamale highway. Police have assured the public that joint Police and Military deployments are active not only in Bawku but also along major highways in the region to maintain peace and security and to manage traffic along these critical routes.