Wa, the serene capital of the Upper West Region, is currently gripped by a wave of fear and uncertainty. The city, known for its peaceful ambience and cultural heritage, has been shaken by a series of brutal and unexplained murders that have left the community reeling. The serial killings, believed to be orchestrated by ritualists, which began two years ago, have claimed more than a dozen lives, creating an atmosphere of terror and suspicion.
It all started with the missing of mentally challenged persons in 2021. This was followed by the missing of private security men who were believed to be suspected murderers. The first body was discovered in 2021 sending shockwaves through the Wa Municipality. The victim, Kojo Kunta was found in Kpaguri, a suburb of Wa with signs of severe trauma. Over the next few weeks, more bodies were discovered, each with similar circumstances – missing organs. The victims, all watchmen were found in various parts of the city, each bearing signs of a violent death.
In 2024, three individuals have been mysteriously killed under bizarre circumstances. Two security guards were found dead at their workplaces; one had his throat slit, while the other was exhumed from a shallow grave. The most recent body, discovered on July 15th, 2024, also had its throat slit.
As the body count rose, so did the fear among the residents of Wa. The community, which once thrived on neighbourly trust and communal activities, was now under a dark cloud of suspicion and fear. Parents began to impose stricter curfews on their children, and the once bustling streets became desolate by nightfall.
The serial killings have profoundly impacted the social fabric of Wa. The palpable fear has disrupted daily life, with businesses closing early. The once lively night activities of tricycle drivers are now slow, and residents avoid travelling alone after dark. The community’s trust in law enforcement has been tested, with many demanding more transparency and quicker action.
“We used to feel safe here, but now everything has changed,” says Amina Suleiman, a shopkeeper. “We are afraid to leave our homes, especially after dark.
“Our children are scared, and we do not know who will be next,” a worried-looking parent remarked.
As of September 2023, about eleven persons were murdered. Some were buried in shallow graves with their body parts removed while others were slaughtered while on duty.
With the rise in cases of the gruesome murder of residents, the youth embarked on a demonstration on 16th September 2022 to show their displeasure with the perceived lack of action from the authorities.
The youth marched to the Wa Naa’s palace to seek his intervention.
They burnt tyres at vantage locations in the Wa Municipality to demand justice from the Regional Security Council and leaders in the region to apprehend the suspects engaged in the murders.
The youth were however dispersed with tear gas from the police to prevent any unforeseen circumstances.
On July 13, 2024, the youth once again took to the streets to protest the resurgence of brutal murders. This time, they submitted a petition to the president through the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council, urging intervention to bring the situation under control.
“We understand the fear and anxiety that these crimes have caused. Our officers are working around the clock to bring the individual responsible to justice. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities,” Former Police Regional Commander, DCOP Peter Ndekugri said in an interview in 2022.
Despite these assurances, the lack of arrests and concrete leads has led to growing frustration and anger among the residents. Many feel that the police response has been inadequate and are demanding more proactive measures.
In a statement released by the police on September 19, 2022, Kankani Adongo was arrested following extensive collaboration between the police and community search parties.
Former Interior Minister, Hon. Ambrose Dery, informed parliament on March 2, 2023, that 27 suspects had been arrested in connection with the brutal murders. Of these, eight were subsequently discharged based on the Attorney General’s advice. Mr. Dery explained that of the remaining suspects, 15 were on court bail awaiting the Attorney General’s report.
He was responding to an urgent question from Wa West MP, Mr Peter Lanchene Toobu, seeking an update on the serial killings in Wa.
On September 19, 2023, the IGP, along with members of the Police Management Board and the Regional Police Command, conducted a security tour of the municipality. Despite their presence, another person was killed in Wa.
On June 19, 2024, Yusif Sulemana, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Bole, also raised the issue on the floor of Parliament “Mr. Speaker, this morning, I also read or watched TV and heard that two people have been murdered in a very similar manner in Wa,” Mr. Sulemana said.
The Member of Parliament for Wa Central, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo also said that the police must take action and conduct further, high-quality investigations into the matter while expressing concern over the situation and the loss of lives.
In response to the crisis, traditional leaders and residents have rallied together, urging for vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement. Neighbourhood watchdogs are encouraged to be revitalized, and discussions are been held by groups on safety measures.
“We must stand together during this difficult time,” said Alhaji Sulemana Alhassan, a prominent community leader. “By looking out for one another and working with the police, we can help bring an end to these horrific crimes.”
The youth called for the formation of a proactive investigative committee, enhanced security patrols, increased police visibility, prompt apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrators, transparency and accountability in the process, comprehensive investigations, and improved lighting infrastructure.
Alhassan Sharifdeen Shash expressed concern over the motives behind the killings and urged the government and community stakeholders to take decisive action. “Every life matters in our society,” he stressed while referencing past incidents and calling for robust measures to prevent future tragedies.
Adam Masahudu, the assembly member for the Kambale electoral area, expressed his solidarity with the victims and their families.
“As an assembly member and a concerned citizen, I am deeply troubled by the brutal killings of our community members,” Adam Masahudu remarked.
The assembly member for Duori Electoral Area, Mr Zakaria Ibrahim called for the immediate formation of community watch committees to help bolster the security architecture in the Wa Municipality.
The serial killings in Wa have cast a long shadow over the city, but the resilience and unity of its residents remain strong. While fear and uncertainty linger, the determination of residents to reclaim their peace and security is unwavering. As investigations continue, the people of Wa hold on to hope that justice will prevail and the city can return to its tranquil and harmonious state.
By Alhassan Tajudeen, MBA
