The Upper West Regional Police Command has intensified security operations in the Wa West District after a group of armed young men allegedly attacked travelers and market women near the Kendeu community on Sunday afternoon.
Police say the incident occurred around 2 p.m. on November 23, 2025, when the gang reportedly robbed road users of cash and valuables and assaulted several market women traveling along the route. A combined Police and Military team was deployed immediately after the report.
The joint operation resulted in the arrest of 10 suspects, while others managed to escape into nearby bushy areas. Officers also retrieved five locally manufactured guns, 25 AA live cartridges, two spent cartridges, two knives and several spiritual talismans believed to have been used by the attackers.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects had earlier abducted two men identified as John Gaan and Dari Moses Dondomor. Both victims and their belongings remain missing, and efforts to locate them are underway. Police say they are working closely with the complainants and affected families as part of the ongoing inquiry.
All arrested suspects are currently in custody, with the retrieved items held as exhibits. Security officials have since increased patrols across the district to deter further attacks and reassure residents.
Authorities have also begun engaging community leaders, opinion leaders and other stakeholders to support the search for the missing victims and ease tensions that have risen in the aftermath of the attacks.
DCOP Francis K. Yiribaare, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, commended the swift response and professionalism of the officers involved, as well as the cooperation of the military and local community members who assisted the operation. He said the coordinated effort played a key role in restoring calm to the area.
The Command pledged its continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged the public to remain cooperative and provide credible information that could assist investigators.
Below is the statement:
