Nkwanta: Some residents of the Keri community in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region have raised allegations against military personnel deployed to maintain peace and restore order but are subjecting especially women to various forms of physical abuse.
According to Ghana News Agency, the situation followed a recent renewal of tribal hostilities in the area necessitating troop deployment to the enclave, which compelled many men to flee for safety, leaving behind women, children, and the elderly. Instead of protection, some women have become victims of brutal treatment in the hands of the security forces meant to safeguard their protection, raising eyebrows as to whether they were real military men.
The victims, Agidisu Rebecca, alleged that they had been physically assaulted, with some reporting that pepper was poured on their wound and forced to drink the remaining raw pepper, causing severe pain and trauma. Another pregnant victim, Agidisu Agatha, also alleged that some of the security personnel met her on her way from the farm, forced her to remove her underwear, and set it on fire.
These disturbing accounts have sparked fear and outrage within the community, with many calling for immediate intervention. Madam Juliana Awasan, Keri South Assembly member, confirmed the incident to the Ghana News Agency saying the victims were driven to the Nkwanta Police command.
Mr. Joseph Awal Antwi, Nkwanta South Municipal Chief Executive, declined to confirm the incident as the Chair of the Municipal Security Council, when the GNA reached out to him on phone, but directed that the information should be sought from the Police Commander with all ending in futility.
Meanwhile, the Agidisu sisters complained that their brother, Jonathan, 30-years-old could not be found after he was accosted by the soldiers in the aftermath of the Wednesday shooting incident at Keri, linked to the recurrent ethnic conflict between the Akyodes, Challas and Adeles stemming from unclear land boundaries.
They narrated that Jonathan was leaving the area to safety amid the shooting when the men in uniform arrested him on his motorbike, indicating the bike was in the custody of the soldiers but their brother was nowhere to be found. The duo was detained at the Nkwanta Police Command, where they were taken to and only released on bail and given forms to attend hospital and were expected to return to the Police on Tuesday.
They have consequently appealed to President John Mahama, the military high command through the Regional Minister, to come to their rescue as the ordeal they suffered in the hands of the soldiers continued to give them flashes and demanding justice. They also demanded the whereabouts of their beloved brother.
Community members and observers are urging authorities to investigate the identity of the said personnel to confirm whether they were security personnel or civilians hiding under military uniform to commit such crimes to ensure fairness and justice was served. They are also calling on relevant human rights organisations to step in and protect vulnerable residents.