A resurgence of violence in Bawku has claimed the life of a 61-year-old alms beggar known as OB, who was tragically caught in a crossfire amid escalating clashes related to a long-standing chieftaincy dispute.

The deceased who was a resident of Mazema, was among those affected as tensions flared in the area, pushing the death toll to 22.

The current wave of violence began following the return of Seidu Abagre, a rival chief appointed by the Nayiri, who had previously been in exile due to an arrest warrant issued in February 2023 over his contested role.

On Thursday, 17 October 2024, a High Court in Kumasi overturned the warrant, allowing the rival chief to return to Bawku on Saturday, 26 October 2024.

His arrival has since ignited renewed hostilities in the community, with initial gunfire exchanges leaving two dead and many injured as the feud over leadership deepens.

In an attempt to restore calm, security forces have imposed a 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. curfew on Bawku, aimed at controlling movement and reducing the risk of further violence.