Government has with effect from today, Sunday January 20 eased off the curfew imposed on the people in and around Yendi, but has maintained the total ban on carrying arms and ammunition.
Yendi and its surrounding communities were put under a 5:00pm to 7:00am curfew by the Interior Minister Friday just moments after the Chief of Savelugu, Yoo Naa Abubakar, was announced as the new overlord of Dagbon.
The curfew was a precautionary measure to prevent possible revolt in the area, particularly as the custodians of the Dagbon traditional area prepared to initiate traditional rites and rituals to enskine the new Ya-Naa Friday night.
Despite the curfew, some unknown people near the Gbewaa Palace attempted to thwart the rites but a timely response from the security personnel on the ground quelled the sporadic shooting in the area.
One person was found dead and two others arrested with an AK 47 in an abandoned building near the palace after the security personnel surrounded the building and took control of the situation.
A statement issued by the Interior Minster Ambrose Dery Sunday morning announced a revision of the curfew but did not give reasons, except to say it was based on the advice of the Northern Regional Security Council.
Per the revision, residents will now have the opportunity to stay outside a little longer and wake up earlier than the last three days that the 5:00pm to 7:00am curfew had been in force.
They will now be required to be indoors from 6:00pm and step out of their homes from 6:00am
It said the curfew “shall be in for a period of five days” after which the Minister will determine whether to extend or suspend same.
It however said the total ban on persons within the curfew areas carrying arms, ammunitions or any offensive weapon is still in force.
“Any person found with any arms or ammunition will be arrested and prosecuted,” the statement reiterated.
Government has meanwhile urged chiefs, elders and opinion leaders as well as the people in the area to exercise restraint in the face of the challenges confronting them and “use non-violent means to channel their energies into ensuring peace in the area”
By Stephen Kwabena Effah|3news.com|Ghana