The discovery of Issah Yahaya’s lifeless body in Dobile, a suburb of Wa, has cast a pall of fear and anxiety over the community, stirring unsettling memories of a previous wave of unsolved serial killings that once gripped the metropolis. Yahaya, a night watchman popularly known as “Soldier,” was found dead on Sunday morning, September 21, 2025, under a shed near the Wa New Market where he was employed as a security guard. The gruesome nature of his death, with his head smashed and a knife resting on his chest, has heightened public concern and sparked speculation about a resurgence of the terrifying pattern of violence that previously plagued the city. This latest incident has reawakened the trauma of the past, raising fears that the perpetrator or perpetrators of those earlier killings may have returned.
The previous series of murders in Wa left an indelible mark on the community’s psyche. The victims, often found with missing body parts, fuelled widespread suspicion of ritualistic motives, further amplifying the sense of dread and uncertainty. The fact that no arrests were ever made in those cases contributed to a persistent undercurrent of fear, a fear now reignited by Yahaya’s brutal death. The lack of closure from the previous investigations has left a lingering vulnerability within the community, a sense that the threat, though dormant for a time, could resurface at any moment. The current situation has effectively reopened old wounds, reminding residents of the unanswered questions and the unresolved sense of danger that has persisted since the earlier killings.
The police have initiated an investigation into Yahaya’s murder, retrieving his body from the scene and transporting it to the Wa Regional Mortuary. However, the community remains on edge, anxiously awaiting answers and reassurance from law enforcement. The lack of immediate information regarding potential suspects or motives contributes to the prevailing atmosphere of fear. The public is looking to the police to swiftly and effectively address the situation, hoping for a prompt resolution that will alleviate the growing sense of panic. The investigation carries the weight of not only solving Yahaya’s murder but also potentially providing answers to the unresolved cases from the past, offering the community a much-needed sense of closure and security.
In response to the escalating public concern, Wa Municipal Chief Executive, Alhaji Issah Nurah Danwana, has appealed for calm while assuring residents that measures are being taken to enhance security within the metropolis. He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve public lighting, stating that approximately 70 percent of existing streetlights have been replaced and are now functional. He acknowledged, however, that a significant deficit of approximately 400 streetlights remains, and indicated that appeals for additional support have been made to relevant stakeholders. Improved lighting is seen as a crucial step in deterring criminal activity and increasing public safety, providing a more visible and secure environment for residents.
Recognizing the need for a more robust police presence, Alhaji Danwana has also called upon the Inspector General of Police to deploy additional patrols within Wa. He recalled that during the peak of the previous killings, police checkpoints were strategically positioned throughout the metropolis, contributing to a heightened sense of security. The subsequent removal of these checkpoints and the withdrawal of officers have left a perceived gap in security, a gap that residents now urgently want addressed. The request for increased police patrols reflects a desire for a more proactive and visible law enforcement presence, aimed at preventing further incidents and reassuring the community of their safety.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains gripped by anxiety and uncertainty. The memory of the unsolved serial killings hangs heavy in the air, adding another layer of complexity to the current situation. The residents of Wa are looking to the police to provide answers, to bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice, and to restore a sense of safety and security to their community. The current climate of fear underscores the importance of a thorough and effective investigation, not only to solve Yahaya’s murder but also to address the lingering trauma from the past and prevent further acts of violence. The community’s plea for increased security measures reflects a deep-seated desire for a safe and peaceful environment, free from the specter of violence that has haunted them for so long.
