Two scrap dealers have been killed by a mob at Ntensere in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of the Ashanti Region following accusations of child theft.
Reports indicate that the victims, identified as Alhasan and Nagolo, had visited the community to purchase scrap materials when residents allegedly suspected them of attempting to steal a child, leading to a fatal attack.
According to witnesses, some community members beat the two men to death and set their motorcycle on fire.
Saramatu Zackaria, the Unit Committee Vice Chairperson for Ntensere, who confirmed the incident, said that no arrests have been made so far.
“I was attending a wedding ceremony when I received reports of mob violence in my electoral area. I rushed to the scene, but by the time I arrived, the victims had already been killed, leaving their lifeless bodies behind,” she recounted.
Ms. Zackaria noted that residents claimed the two men had attempted to steal a three-year-old child, which triggered the attack. She strongly condemned the act and called for a thorough police investigation.
The incident has drawn concern from the Ashanti Regional Scrap Dealers Association, whose members visited the scene.
Association President Alhaji Abdulai Gagala has called for justice.
“Such incidents are becoming too frequent in the Ashanti Region. Our members are often attacked based on false accusations. We are not thieves, and people must stop killing us,” he lamented.
He urged authorities to take steps to prevent future occurrences, adding, “Mob justice must be addressed with the seriousness it deserves. Anyone could be falsely accused and fall victim to such violence.”
The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at a morgue for autopsy, while police have launched an investigation into the incident.
