National Peace Council condemns killing of students in Bawku, Nalerigu

The National Peace Council (NPC) has condemned the recent killings of students at the Nalerigu Senior High School and Bawku Senior High School.

They describe the acts as barbaric, criminal, and a blot on human rights.

In a statement released on Monday, the Council also referenced reported assassinations in Asawase, Kumasi, and called on security agencies to expedite investigations and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The attacks and killings of the innocent students and the reported incident in Asawase are barbaric, cruel, distasteful, criminal, reprehensible and a blot on our human rights,” the statement read.

The Council expressed its condolences to the bereaved families and called for swift intervention by the state’s security and justice systems to ensure justice is served.

The Council also expressed concern about the growing insecurity in Bawku, Nalerigu, and Asawase, warning of possible links to ongoing conflicts and the activities of extremist elements in neighbouring countries.

“We are worried about the growing insecurity in Bawku, Nalerigu and Asawase in the face of violent extremists’ activities in neighbouring countries,” it noted.

The Peace Council urged factions in the Bawku conflict to channel their grievances to the Otumfuo Mediation Committee, while also calling for the revival of the inter-ethnic peace committee to support conflict resolution efforts.

The Council appealed to the media and public figures to be measured in their commentary to avoid inciting further unrest. It emphasized the need for dialogue, tolerance, and mutual respect in addressing the tensions.

“The Council appeals to the media and all those who make statements on the matter to exercise maximum restraint in their pronouncements,” it said.

The Peace Council commended the government for its swift response to the violent incidents and urged security agencies to act decisively in safeguarding lives and restoring order.

“We urge the state and its agencies to act decisively regarding the current happenings, to ensure peace and security,” it concluded.

There were fatal attacks at Nalerigu Senior High School and Bawku Senior High School, leading to the deaths of some students. Following the incidents, teaching and learning have been suspended indefinitely, while the government has begun arrangements for the evacuation of students from the affected schools.

Security has since been tightened within the Nalerigu and Bawku enclave, with the imposition of a curfew in both communities as part of efforts to restore calm and prevent further violence.

The Bawku conflict, rooted in decades-old chieftaincy and ethnic disputes, has repeatedly erupted into violence, disrupting lives and destabilizing the region. Nalerigu, which has largely been peaceful in recent years, has also seen growing tension due to spillover effects and broader insecurity concerns.