The Upper West Regional Police Command launched an investigation into the tragic double homicide that occurred in the Yanyuoyiri community of the Wa East District on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Two residents, 47-year-old Marifa Osman and 35-year-old Sampa Abubakari, were fatally shot while en route to inspect their farmland. The attack, allegedly perpetrated by a group of armed men, has left the community in shock and mourning. Upon receiving reports of the incident, police officers promptly visited the crime scene, recovering the bodies of the victims and gathering crucial forensic evidence. The bodies were subsequently transported to the Wa Regional Hospital for post-mortem examinations. Following the autopsies, the bodies were released to the families on Monday, July 21, 2025, for burial in accordance with Islamic customs.
In response to the killings, the Upper West Regional Police Command, led by Mr. Darko Offei Lomotey, has deployed a contingent of police personnel to Yanyuoyiri to maintain peace and order within the community. This measure aims to reassure residents and prevent any potential escalation of violence. The police have initiated a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime. Proactive strategies are being employed to gather intelligence and track down the suspects. The police have appealed to the public for cooperation, urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation. The provision of credible information, they emphasized, is crucial in ensuring that justice is served and that the perpetrators are brought to book.
Following the tragic incident, members of both the Regional Security Council and the Wa East District Security Council visited the Yanyuoyiri community on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Their purpose was to engage with the residents, offer condolences, and facilitate a dialogue aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation in the wake of the violence. This direct interaction underscored the commitment of local authorities to addressing the underlying tensions that may have contributed to the tragic events. The visit also served as a platform to reiterate the importance of community cooperation with law enforcement in their ongoing investigation.
Adding a crucial dimension to the narrative, Mr. Bawa Wahid Najua, a brother of one of the deceased individuals, revealed that some of the suspected attackers have been identified and reported to the police. This information, if corroborated, could prove instrumental in expediting the investigation and bringing the perpetrators to justice. While the official motive for the shooting remains undetermined, Mr. Najua has suggested a potential link to a long-standing land dispute. This allegation, if substantiated, points to a deeper conflict within the community that may have ultimately led to the tragic loss of life.
The families of Marifa Osman and Sampa Abubakari are now demanding justice for their slain loved ones. They urge the police to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of the perpetrators. Their call for justice echoes the sentiments of the wider community, which seeks closure and accountability in the face of this senseless violence. The incident underscores the urgent need for conflict resolution mechanisms and community-based initiatives to address underlying land disputes and other sources of tension that can escalate into violence.
The tragic events in Yanyuoyiri highlight the fragility of peace and security in the region and the devastating consequences of unresolved conflicts. The police investigation, coupled with the engagement of local authorities and community leaders, represents a crucial step towards uncovering the truth, bringing the perpetrators to justice, and fostering an environment of healing and reconciliation within the affected community. The emphasis on community cooperation and the provision of credible information underscores the collective responsibility in ensuring justice and preventing future acts of violence. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for proactive measures to address underlying disputes and promote peaceful coexistence within communities.
