Police at Kumbungu in the Northern region reportedly opened fire sporadically injuring one person after they were called to quell an ‘illegal demonstration’ by youth of Dalun who had forcibly taken control of management of revenues accrued from a sea sand winning site after they accused the District assembly of mismanagement.
Police in the area yesterday arrested some three individuals selected as local revenue collectors after a misunderstanding between the youth and officials from the assembly, leader of youth Safianu Mahama told Kasapa News.
According to him another person was picked up today which angered the youth to mount roadblocks, create rumble strips and staged a wild demonstration to protest the arrest.
Mahama added that suddenly armed police arrived in the community and started firing “life bullets” at the youth who were unarmed.
He told Kasapa News that an nidentified minor was hit by stray bullet and currently being treated at Tamale Teaching Hospital .
The police and the District Chief Executive were not readily available for comments but Member of Parliament elect Hon. Ras Mubarak said he was aware of a misunderstanding in the community but added he could not confirmed allegations against the police.
Explaining what triggered the seizure of the sand wining site, Mr. Mahama said authorities of the assembly reneged on it promise to allocate 60% of the revenue to develop the community.
The activities have affected many farm lands and damaged water bodies but there is nothing in the community to show, the youth leader adds.
He says the youth would continued to be directly involved in management of resources found in the community and will not be intimidated.
This is not the first time youth of Dalun have rebelled against authorities for negligence and underdevelopment.
In April this year, some regional executives of the ruling government including Hon. Ras Mubarak for the constituency were reportedly chased away for failing to provide them good roads, an incident the chief of the community personally denied.
