Gumyoko Burns: Bawku Confl!ct Spills Over, 20+ Homes Lost

At least 12 more houses have been destroyed by fire in the Gumyoko community in the Binduri District of the Upper East Region, in what authorities suspect to be an extension of the ongoing Bawku chieftaincy conflict.

According to JoyNews sources, the attack occurred under the cover of darkness last night, carried out by unknown individuals.

This latest act of violence adds to similar incidents earlier in the week, bringing the total number of homes razed in Gumyoko to more than 20.

Residents of Gumyoko had already fled the area nearly a month ago following persistent threats and attacks.

This mass exodus left the community vulnerable, making it an easy target for further destruction.

“This is clearly a continuation of the tension spilling over from Bawku. The assailants likely knew the place was empty,” a local security officer told JoyNews on condition of anonymity.

The chieftaincy dispute in Bawku has long been a source of unrest, deeply rooted in historical grievances and ethnic divisions.

While peace efforts have been ongoing, violence often resurfaces, affecting not just Bawku but nearby communities like Gumyoko.

No casualties have been reported so far, as most residents had already abandoned their homes.

However, the material loss is extensive, and the fear of further attacks lingers across neighboring areas.

Authorities have yet to make any arrests in connection with the attacks. Security personnel are said to be monitoring the area, but residents are calling for more active intervention and lasting peace.

Many displaced families now face the harsh reality of starting over with little to no support. “We’ve lost everything. Where do we go from here?” one distraught former resident shared via phone.

As the conflict continues to spread beyond its original epicenter, calls for stronger security presence and peaceful resolution are growing louder.