The Member of Parliament for Walewale, Dr Mahama Tiah Abdul-Kabiru, has strongly criticised the government’s decision to impose a curfew on Walewale and surrounding communities in the North East Region, describing it as “poorly made and politically motivated.”
The curfew, imposed by the Interior Ministry following recent attacks believed to be linked to the ongoing Bawku conflict, has sparked concerns over its fairness and effectiveness.
In a statement, Dr Abdul-Kabiru expressed frustration that he was not consulted before the decision was announced, despite the direct impact on his constituency.
“The Interior Ministry together with the Ministry of Defence consulted with MPs from the Bawku area without extending an olive branch to those of us equally affected in this matter. This is clearly a decision that does not seek to foster peace but an attempt to use state power to unjustifiably punish innocent civilians,” he stated.
He questioned the selective application of the curfew, arguing that if the government truly sought to address security threats, similar measures should have been extended to other volatile areas such as Binduri, Zebilla, and Garu, which have also experienced deadly attacks.
“Between December 2021 till date, there have been at least 25 attacks in these areas, three of which occurred in the last month. The selective application of this security measure suggests that the lives of travellers to and from Bawku do not matter,” he said.
The MP proposed an alternative security approach, recommending increased highway patrols and military escorts for travellers instead of restricting movement through a curfew.
“Half of the police and military personnel that will be used to enforce this curfew would have provided the security for travellers and businesses,” he noted.
Dr Abdul-Kabiru also accused the military of brutalising innocent civilians in the affected areas, claiming their actions had resulted in one death and several injuries.
“In the last two days, the military have tortured any person on sight in Kukua, Loagri, Walewale, Gbimsi, and Wulugu communities, leading to the loss of one life and several others maimed,” he alleged.
He further criticised the Interior Ministry’s handling of the situation, suggesting that the curfew portrays Walewale residents as perpetrators of the attacks rather than victims of the broader conflict.
“The decision to impose the curfew and communication from the Interior Minister suggest that the people of Walewale are those responsible for the attacks. This is clearly a deliberate misunderstanding of the situation,” he said.
Despite his criticism, Dr. Abdul-Kabiru urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security services to maintain peace.
“Violence should have no place in our society, and cooperation with the security agencies is key to fostering peace and stability,” he stated.
