Tension erupted at Nsuaem in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region after youth clashed with police over an alleged child abduction, resulting in injuries, property damage, and the temporary closure of the Nsuaem Police Station.
The incident reportedly began when a 25-year-old man, identified as Sulley Moses, was seen acting suspiciously around two schoolchildren near the Nivo Filling Station.
Eyewitnesses said a vigilant storekeeper raised the alarm after observing Moses attempting to force the children into a vehicle.
Local youth, aided by a female police officer, apprehended the suspect and escorted him to the Nsuaem Police Station.
Preliminary police investigations revealed that the children, aged 7 and 5, told officers the suspect had forcibly held one of them while they tried to leave, prompting his detention for further questioning.
Shortly after his arrest, however, tensions escalated. A mob of over 500 residents, armed with stones and other objects, besieged the station, demanding the suspect be handed over.
The group blocked the Takoradi–Tarkwa highway, set tyres on fire, and threw stones at the station, insisting on immediate “justice.”
Police refused, citing due process, which angered the crowd. The confrontation led to injuries, including three police officers and four civilians, and caused destruction to a police vehicle, parts of the station, and several impounded motorbikes, some of which were set ablaze.
To restore order, police fired warning shots and called in reinforcements, including military personnel. All officers were relocated for safety, and the Nsuaem Police Station was temporarily closed.
Moses was transferred to the Tarkwa Regional Police Headquarters to assist with ongoing investigations. One civilian injured during the unrest was referred to the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital for further treatment.
The Western Central Regional Police Command condemned the violent attack, assuring the public, “The Command assures the public that all perpetrators will be identified, arrested, and brought to justice.”
Calm has reportedly returned to the area, but security remains tight as authorities urge residents to allow the legal process to proceed.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
