Barely six days after four people were shot dead in broad daylight in Garu in the Upper East Region, another man has been shot dead by unknown gunmen.
The latest killing, which occurred last Friday evening, has increased fear and unease among residents, coming just days after four people were shot in a broad daylight attack at the Garu District Health Insurance Office.
Eyewitness account
An eyewitness told the Daily Graphic that the latest victim, an unidentified cattle dealer from the Kugri community in the Garu District, was shot dead at a drinking spot located at the Garu market.
He said the man had reportedly gone there to relax after the day’s business and was seated on a plastic chair drinking with friends when the gunmen attacked him.
“He came to the spot and bought some drinks, and was seated with some friends. Then, while they were still at the place, two men on a motorbike appeared and shot him several times before speeding away,” the eyewitness narrated.
“They fired multiple shots at close range, killing the victim instantly, and bolted. Nobody else was hurt, but it was clear he was the target,” the eyewitness added.
The attack, described as a targeted killing at the centre of the market, caused fear and panic among onlookers.
Call for security
The Assembly Member for the Garu Naatenga Electoral Area and Presiding Member of the Garu District Assembly, Bartholomew Azumbil Asore, who confirmed the incident to the Daily Graphic, said the situation was worrying and called for reinforcement of security in the area.
“It’s new to us here because this part of Kusaug has been peaceful for some time now. What has happened is really disturbing.
We have now lost five people so far, and it is more worrying because no one has been arrested.
“We are calling on the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to intensify investigations and bring the perpetrators to book,” he said.
The body has since been released to the family for burial.
Background
The latest murder followed a bloody attack on Monday, October 20, when four unidentified gunmen on two motorbikes invaded Garu, shooting indiscriminately and killing four people, including a National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) officer, a head teacher, a chief, and another resident.
The attack also resulted in the injury of five others, prompting the Upper East Regional Police Command to launch a full-scale investigation.
