Extra-judicial killings must come with sanctions – Dafeamekpor reacts to recent Bawku killings

Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has called for severe consequences for military personnel involved in extra-judicial killings in Bawku.

This statement comes in the wake of the fatal shooting of three young men from Bawku by military personnel, leading to increased tension in the area.

Eyewitnesses claim the young men were unarmed and did nothing to provoke the military’s attack. Mr. Dafeamekpor expressed concern about continued incidents of gun violence in Bawku despite heavy militarization, suggesting that some individuals are not fulfilling their duties appropriately.

“We have a national security strategy document. If you read it, Bawku features in it prominently. They are the strategies drawn by the national security apparatus to deal with the problem.

“So I am surprised that even with all the strategies outlined in the document dealing with the issues, we still have this problem.

“Why? Because there are no consequences arising when people commit crimes or offences or commit acts that ought to be punished. These are extra judicial killings,” he said.

Mr. Dafeamekpor emphasized that without holding accountable military personnel engaged in extra-judicial killings and imposing severe consequences, the crisis in the area could escalate into a more serious conflict.

“When things like this happen, there must be consequences. People must be punished. If we don’t punish, we’ll create an artificial war and commit murder and that for me is what I suspect is happening, create a conflict situation and kill your opponent in the name of conflict,” he said.