Interior Minister pleads: Stop sharing images of Burkina Faso attack victims

The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has appealed to the public to refrain from sharing graphic images and videos of victims killed in a terrorist attack on a truck transporting Ghanaian tomato traders in northern Burkina Faso.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Monday, 16 February, the Minister extended condolences to the bereaved families and confirmed that efforts were ongoing to evacuate survivors from the affected area. He noted that not all families had yet been formally informed of the incident.

According to him, the attack occurred on Saturday when the traders were travelling through Titao and were caught in a confrontation between extremist elements and Burkina Faso’s armed forces.

“Unfortunately, on Saturday, our compatriots travelling through Titao were caught in a violent confrontation between extremists and Burkina Faso’s armed forces. 18 Ghanaian tomato traders were affected, 10 men and eight women. The attackers forced the women off the trucks and opened fire indiscriminately.

“Several individuals, including the drivers, died instantly, and the trucks were set ablaze, leaving the bodies burnt beyond recognition.

“Families of the victims are uncertain. Sharing footage of burnt bodies is not only insensitive but also adds to their trauma. I plead with everyone to stop circulating these images and put themselves in the shoes of the grieving families,” he said.

The Minister disclosed that the bodies of the deceased had been buried by the Burkina Faso authorities with the approval of the Government of Ghana. He added that DNA samples were taken prior to burial to enable proper identification and ensure families are formally notified.

Despite the scale of the tragedy, some passengers survived the attack. Three men and one woman sustained serious burns and are receiving treatment in hospital, while seven other women are reported to be in stable condition.

Arrangements are underway to transfer the injured to Ouagadougou, where Ghana’s diplomatic mission will provide further support and assistance.

The incident has once again highlighted the security risks along parts of the Sahel corridor, frequently used by traders transporting agricultural produce across borders. Ghanaian authorities say they remain in contact with their Burkinabe counterparts as efforts continue to account for all affected persons and support grieving families.