Thursday, 23 October

Odwira festival disturbances: Police put 34 suspects before court, including 6 chiefs

Crime
Ghana Police Service

The Eastern Regional Police Command has arraigned 34 suspects including six chiefs who were arrested following disturbances at Ahwerase.

The disturbances resulted in the death of one person whose name has been given as Isaac Nana Kwasi.

Additionally, three others were injured, during a ritual to lift the ban on noise-making, heralding the beginning of Odwira festival.

The 34 were charged with rioting with offensive weapon and causing unlawful harm.

The injured are currently receiving treatment at Aburi KOM Presbyterian Hospital, according to the police.

The body of the deceased has been deposited for preservation and autopsy.

Police said they had retrieved two weapons, four live and four spent pump action cartridges:

i. Umarex Pistol No. MPI60407589

ii. Cyborg Magnum Force Pump Action No. 602-H25YT-516

While the area is calm, the police said they were currently monitoring the situation, promising the public updates "due cause".

In their statement signed by Ebenezer Tetteh, Superintendent of Police, Public Affairs, Eastern Region, police assured the public that before, during and after the Odwira festival, "everything will be done to ensure that people go about their activities with an atmosphere of peace and tranquility".

Source: classfmonline.com