A chief of Yiidana and his son have been killed in the Gushegu Municipality of the Northern Region, reigniting a chieftaincy dispute that has simmered for nearly four years.
According to District Chief Executive Abdul Hafiz Adam, three gunmen stormed the chief’s family home around midnight on Thursday and opened fire, killing both victims.
The attack is the latest escalation in a protracted conflict over the right to install a chief for Yiidana, involving the nearby Paboni community and the Zantali-Lana traditional authority.
The dispute dates back to when the Zantali-Lana first moved to enskin a chief for Yiidana, a move opposed by Paboni residents who challenged his authority.
The matter was referred to the Yaa Naa’s palace in Yendi, which ruled in favour of the Zantali-Lana. Despite that ruling, tensions persisted, with earlier clashes destroying property and Yiidana being advised to seek compensation through the courts.
The conflict reignited when the Zantali-Lana proceeded with the enskinment, despite objections and attempts by Paboni residents to disrupt the ceremony.
Due to security concerns, the newly installed chief was initially kept outside Yiidana. About a month ago, the chief’s family informed local security authorities of plans to return him, but the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) requested a security assessment first.
The family proceeded regardless, and authorities allowed the return on condition that peace be maintained, a condition shattered by Thursday’s attack.
Security forces, including police and military, have been deployed to Yiidana. The Northern Regional Minister and Regional Security Council (REGSEC) are expected to assess the situation.
While the area is currently calm, with no active gunfire, the killings have triggered widespread fear. Many residents have fled, citing fears of retaliatory violence between the families.
The bodies of the chief and his son remain in the community pending decisions on burial arrangements by MUSEC and REGSEC.
