Chieftaincy clash: Three killed, 34 arrested in Wa

Three people have been killed and 34 others arrested following a violent clash linked to a protracted chieftaincy dispute in Funsi in the Wa East District of the Upper West Region.

The incident has heightened tensions in the area, prompting a major security operation to restore calm and prevent further violence.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on the evening of May 22, 2026, sparked fear and tension across the community, forcing the Upper West Regional Police Command to deploy additional security personnel to restore order and prevent further violence.

According to police reports, officers were alerted after gunshots were heard in the Gbelonosi area of Funsi, where residents claimed that several people had been attacked during the unrest.

When security personnel arrived at the scene, they found the lifeless bodies of two victims identified as 37-year-old Fufulu Nandug and 22-year-old Yussif Samahan. During follow-up operations and investigations within the community, officers later discovered the body of a third victim, 20-year-old Amadu Lukman.

The Upper West Regional Police Commander, Francis Yiribaare, subsequently led a reinforcement team to the troubled area as authorities intensified efforts to contain the situation and investigate the violence connected to the ongoing chieftaincy tensions.

Police also recovered a number of items believed to have been used during the disturbances. The exhibits included a locally manufactured gun, bow and arrows, cartridges, gunpowder, traditional battle smocks containing talismans, and a medallion suspected to be linked to the rivalry between factions in the community.

Authorities confirmed that all 34 suspects, together with the seized items, have been transported to Wa to assist with investigations and possible legal action.

The Police Administration expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased and assured the public that anyone found responsible for the violence would face the full rigours of the law.

Residents of Funsi have meanwhile been urged to remain calm and avoid any retaliatory attacks. Police also appealed to community members and stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could support ongoing investigations.

Security presence in the area has since been strengthened, with intensified patrols and additional deployments aimed at maintaining peace and preventing any further escalation of the conflict.