Funeral violence in Gbedema: four Bilinsa youth attacked, prospective military recruit loses hand

What began as a peaceful funeral gathering turned violent on the evening of Wednesday, May 6, when four members of the Bilinsa community in the Builsa North Municipality were allegedly ambushed and attacked with cutlasses by a group of men at Gbedema.

The incident, which occurred at a funeral house in the community, left four young men seriously injured, with one victim reportedly losing a hand in the brutal assault. The victim is said to have been preparing for recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces.

The injured persons have since been admitted to the Sandema Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.

The attack has sent shockwaves through the Bilinsa community and the wider Builsa Traditional Area, sparking calls for swift police intervention and justice for the victims.

According to eyewitness accounts, the violence is believed to have stemmed from a personal rivalry involving one of the victims and a suspected attacker.

Information gathered indicates that during the funeral, one of the victims reportedly lent his motorbike to a young woman believed to be either a close friend or romantic partner. The woman is said to have previously been married to one of the alleged attackers, a resident of Gbedema Kunkwaba, before leaving the marriage and entering into a relationship with the motorbike owner.

While using the motorbike to purchase items in Gbedema town, the woman allegedly knocked down an elderly man, leading to a confrontation.

Eyewitnesses claim the suspected attackers demanded that the owner of the motorbike be summoned to transport the injured elderly man to the hospital. However, sources allege the request was merely a pretext intended to lure the young man into an ambush.

The alleged plan was reportedly exposed when a bystander overheard discussions suggesting an intended attack and quickly alerted the intended victims. The victims subsequently refused to comply with the demand to transport the elderly man to the hospital.

The refusal reportedly heightened tensions, resulting in a heated confrontation between the two groups.

Witnesses say the situation quickly escalated into violence, during which the attackers allegedly drew cutlasses and attacked the Bilinsa youth. The assault left the victims with severe injuries, including the amputation of one victim’s hand.

The matter has since been reported to the Fumbisi Police, the Chief of Gbedema, the Sandema Nab, Nab Azagsuk Azantilow II, the Builsa North Municipal Chief Executive, and the Sandema Police Commander.

However, as of the time of filing this report, no arrests had been made, a development that has heightened frustration and tension within the Bilinsa community.

Residents are now calling on security agencies to act swiftly to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice in order to prevent further escalation of tensions in the area.

Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo| Edmond Kwaching Agwaazeh

Maseda Spices