Garu, Upper East Region | October 20, 2025
Four people have been confirmed dead and several others injured after unknown gunmen launched a deadly attack at the Garu District National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Office on Monday morning.
Attack Details
Eyewitnesses report that four armed men riding two motorbikes opened fire sporadically at the NHIA office. Two victims, including an NHIA staff member, were killed instantly, one inside the office and the other outside the premises.
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The gunmen reportedly continued shooting while fleeing, targeting bystanders, teachers, and pupils of a nearby public school. In the chaos, a headteacher of the Garu D/A Primary School and a local chief were also killed, raising the death toll to four.
The assailants allegedly seized a motorbike from one of their victims before escaping. Several injured persons are currently receiving treatment at various health facilities.
Community Reaction and Security Response
Mr Edward Ndebugri, Assembly Member for Kugri and a former Presiding Member of the Garu District Assembly, confirmed the incident to the Ghana News Agency (GNA).
“The whole town is in shock. This is the first time we are witnessing such an incident. People are living in fear, and we are pleading with the security agencies to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said.
Security Measures
Police and military presence in Garu has since been significantly reinforced, with heavily armed personnel deployed to secure key areas, including the NHIA Office and the Presbyterian Hospital. Calm has since been restored.
Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, while residents have called on government and security agencies to intensify patrols and strengthen border surveillance to prevent future attacks.
