Families of victims of the recent shooting incident in Battor in the North Tongu District of the Volta region have assured the public of their commitment to peace.

On Friday, December 16, five persons were killed during a clash between two feuding parties involved in a lingering chieftaincy dispute in Battor.

But the affected families have pledged they would not engage in any reprisal attacks saying they’re committed to lasting peace in the enclave. They made the pledge during a visit to the homes of the victims by the Member of Parliament for the area, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

“We have encouraged all our Children, the family, everybody that we’re all cousins, so we need not allow this escalate to anywhere. So we wouldn’t allow anyone to take any revenge or spot anyone anywhere and attack. For many years we have not heard anything like this in the palace before, so it’s a blow to all of us; it’s unfortunate, we’re sad of what has happened. So we want to promise that we want peace and peace must reign very soon so that we’ll all live in peace. And no revenge anywhere, no shooting anywhere. This is our pledge. But the law-enforcing agencies must allow peace and justice to prevail. Anyone who’ll be found guilty of this case we’ll be happy they handle it as such,” David Todzeagbo, who spoke on behalf of the Anglisinya and Ladzedo families said.

Member of Parliament for the area, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa told GHOne News he had been left devastated at the turn of events.

Mr. Ablakwa also appealed to the affected families not to allow further escalation of violence while urging stakeholders to swiftly address the lingering chieftaincy dispute in the area.

The MP believes the killing of the five persons is criminal and must be treated as such.

There is still a heavy security presence in Battor following the shooting incident that occurred on Friday, December 16.

Five persons were killed in the crossfire between two feuding parties over disagreements surrounding this year’s Hogbe festival.

So far, some 15 persons have been arrested by the police following the clash.

Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Faisel Iddrisu