Tensions have heightened in Zebilla in the Upper East Region following the identification of five cattle on a truck with registration number GR-4851-X, an incident that triggered a protest by youth from Binduri amid the fragile security situation connected to the protracted Bawku conflict.
At about 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, dozens of youth from Binduri converged at the Zebilla Police Station to protest an alleged cattle theft, which they believe was committed by individuals from the Mamprusi enclave in Binduri township.
One of the cattle owners, Abugrago Samuel, expressed concern that despite a period of relative calm in recent months, criminal activities, particularly cattle rustling, continue to undermine fragile peace efforts in the area.
According to him, cattle owners from his side have lost several animals over the past months whenever they cross into the enclave to graze. He explained that the five cattle in question were allegedly taken on Friday, prompting a report to the military command in Binduri.
Samuel said permission was granted for a search, and with a military escort, they entered the enclave but were unable to locate the animals.
The situation escalated on Tuesday morning when one of his brothers reportedly spotted and identified one of the missing cattle being transported toward Bolgatanga. He said they intercepted the truck—then under military escort—and compelled the driver to stop at the Zebilla Police Station.
The driver was arrested and is currently assisting police with investigations.
Samuel further alleged that the driver told police he was contacted by a security officer to transport the cattle and has since provided the said contact to investigators.
The incident heightened anxiety in the area, as cattle theft and reprisal accusations have historically fueled tensions linked to the Bawku conflict, which has witnessed periodic outbreaks of violence between rival groups.
Amid the heightened tension involving residents, police, and military personnel at the Zebilla Police Station, the Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, together with other Kusaug traditional and political leaders, arrived at the scene to help calm the situation.
Subsequently, the truck driver and a suspect were transported to Bolgatanga for further investigations.
Military Vehicle Accident
In a related development, soldiers deployed to help stabilize the situation were involved in a road traffic accident on their return to Binduri.
The soldiers were travelling in a Toyota Camry with an unregistered plate number DV 1716 Y 2025 when the accident occurred about 200 metres from Zebilla township. One person sustained injuries, while a nearby store and three motorbikes parked at a fitting shop were damaged.
The military personnel reportedly escaped unhurt and have since returned safely to their base.
Security agencies say investigations into both the alleged cattle theft and the accident are ongoing, as patrols continue to prevent any escalation.
By Paqmediagh/Peter Quao Adattor
