A Fulani herdsman in Agogo in the Ashanti Region has been beheaded, police have confirmed. Agogo District Police Commander DSP Nana Yawson said the beheading is the fourth in a series of murders between the fulanis in the area and the indigenes.
The recent incident has raised tension in the area with the indigenes fearing reprisal attacks from the herdsmen. DSP Yawson told Joy News military and police patrol teams have been dispatched to the area to restore law and order.
Chronicling the series of violent incidents that have gone on in the vicinity, DSP Yawson said on May 30, three herdsmen were injured in a shooting incidents, and are still on admission at the Agogo Presby Hospital.
He said on June 2, three indigenes went to farm but only one returned with fears the other two may have been killed. This led to the beheading of another Fulani herdsman on June 4 by persons suspected to be indigenes. The recent beheading has sent shock waves in the neighbourhood with the indigenes unable to go to their farms.
DSP Yawson told Joy News no arrests have yet been made but was convinced the perpetrators will sooner or later be brought to book.
He condemned what he believed was lawlessness being portrayed by elements within both factions.
He said �not until people understand there is rule of law, the problem will still go on�. The Asante Akyem North District Chief Executive Thomas Osei Bonsu blamed the violent incidents on the Fulanis whom he accused of breaching the conditions under which the lands were leased to them.
According to him, as part of an agreement, the Fulanis were asked to stay in the neighbourhood peacefully; not to pollute river bodies; not to allow their cattle to feed on the farms of the indigenes.
But this was not to be. He explained that the fulanis in the night will allow their cattle free access to the farms of the indigenes with the animals chewing the crops.
This he said sparked tension between the two groups which has led to the bloody incidents of beheading in the neighbourhood. He accused the Fulanis of trying to forcefully takeover the land. He said there are 54 forces trying to maintain peace over there.
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