Curfew in Nkwanta remains in force

The curfew imposed on the Nkwanta township in the Oti Region has been extended. 

The extension, which came into force yesterday, will run from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily and was imposed on the advice of the Oti Regional Security Council to address the emerging security concerns in the area.

The ban on all persons in the Nkwanta township and its environs from carrying arms, ammunition, or any offensive weapon also remains in force.

“Any person found with any arms or ammunition will be arrested and prosecuted,” a statement signed by the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, said.

The statement, on behalf of the government, urged residents to exercise restraint and resolve conflicts through established mechanisms, stressing that the curfew was aimed at safeguarding lives and property while fostering a conducive environment for resolving the disputes amicably.

Conflict

Curfew was initially imposed on the community last year, following a renewed conflict, which erupted in Nkwanta on January 16, resulting in three fatalities and several injuries.

The ongoing conflict in the Nkwanta township stems from a long-standing ethnic dispute that has fuelled tensions among the Akyodes, Adeles and Challas in the catchment area.

The situation in Nkwanta township remains calm but tense, with a combined force of military and police deployed to maintain law and order, quell ongoing violence, and ensure the safety of residents and property.