Disputed Yiidana chief and son shot dead in Gushegu

A disputed Yiidana chief and his son were shot dead in Gushegu Municipality, reigniting a long-standing chieftaincy dispute. Three gunmen attacked the chief's family house at midnight, killing both men. The conflict began about four years ago when the Zantali-Lana community moved to install a new chief for Yiidana. Residents of Paboni objected, challenging the Zantali-Lana's authority to carry out the enskinment.

The issue was referred to the Yaa Naa's palace, which ruled in favor of the Zantali-Lana. However, tensions continued to rise when the enskinment occurred, leading to clashes between the two communities. Despite the ruling, the Zantali-Lana proceeded with the enskinment, prompting the Paboni community to attempt to disrupt the ceremony.

Security concerns led to the new chief initially living outside Yiidana, but he eventually returned after local authorities ensured adequate security. The attack on Thursday night shattered this arrangement, and now, the area is tense with many residents fleeing. The bodies of the chief and his son remain in the community, awaiting burial arrangements as security agencies decide the next steps.