Fear had become a way of life in Atebubu.
For months, residents lived under the shadow of armed attacks, killings, and criminal violence that shattered the peace of communities across the Bono East Region. Mothers feared for their children. Traders closed early. Families slept uncertain of what the next night would bring.
But on Friday, standing before a tense crowd at Atebubu, Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno delivered more than a police briefing. It was a message of reassurance to a wounded community longing for justice.
The IGP revealed that police investigators had made breakthroughs in two of the region’s most disturbing crimes, the assassination of Abamba Queen, Nana Serwaa Gyan Kuma, and the deadly robbery attack at the GB Oil Filling Station near Atebubu.
In an emotionally charged revelation, the Police disclosed that one of the suspects in the Queen’s murder allegedly confessed after claiming he was being haunted by the spirit of the slain royal. According to the IGP, suspect Abdul-Razak Ibrahim Langa, also known as Zack, broke down during interrogation after his arrest in Kasoa over a separate robbery-related operation.
Police say the suspect later led investigators to the alleged gunman, Nana Yaw Bediako, who reportedly confessed to carrying out the shooting. Investigators further allege that the killing was a contract assassination linked to a chieftaincy dispute, with the chief of Akokoa, Nana Owusu Sahkofi II, identified as the alleged mastermind behind the murder. According to police, the chief allegedly promised the suspects 50,000 cedis for the operation, but paid 40,000 cedis after the killing was carried out.
The investigation has since expanded, drawing in several additional suspects, including a convicted prisoner currently serving a sentence at the Ankaful Maximum Security Prison. Police allege that Nana Owusu Sahkofi II used the inmate as an intermediary to coordinate the assassination plot and transferred the money through mobile money transactions.
Preliminary police investigations suggest that Nana Owusu Sahkofi II allegedly resorted to extreme measures after the slain queen repeatedly opposed his attempts to sell traditional lands and also resisted efforts to install a chief of his preference
The murder of the Abamba Queen sent shockwaves through the Atebubu enclave, leaving many residents struggling to comprehend how a respected traditional leader could be gunned down in her own residence.
The Inspector General of Police further disclosed that during his arrest, Nana Owusu Sahkofi II allegedly attempted to bribe arresting officers with 200,000 cedis and reportedly paid half of the amount on the spot in an attempt to avoid arrest.
But the queen mother’s killing was not the only tragedy haunting the region.
The IGP also detailed the horrifying events surrounding the armed robbery attack on the GB Oil Filling Station, where innocent lives were cut short after gunmen opened fire indiscriminately.
According to police investigations, the attackers had allegedly targeted the owner of the filling station in a planned assassination and robbery operation. Unknown to the gang, the owner had left the premises moments before the attack. Enraged after missing their target, the gunmen allegedly turned their weapons on innocent bystanders, killing two people and injuring others.
Police say several suspects connected to the robbery syndicate have since been arrested, while others died during exchanges with police officers during operations.
For residents of Atebubu, the announcement marked a rare moment of relief after months of fear and uncertainty.
The Inspector General of Police praised officers involved in the operations and assured the people of Bono East that the fight against violent crime would continue relentlessly.
And in a direct warning to criminals still on the run, the IGP delivered a chilling message:
“Watch out. You are the next in line. We are coming for you.”
By Peter Quao Adattor/paqmediagh
