In a tragic incident on July 5, a sick woman lost her life after an armed robbery attack disrupted her emergency journey from the Welembelle community to the Tumu District Hospital in the Sissala East Municipality.
Robbery Halts Emergency Journey
The woman, who was being transported to seek urgent medical care, was caught in a violent robbery on the Welembelle-Tumu stretch. At gunpoint, the attackers detained the passengers for several hours, forcing them to lie down while they ransacked the vehicle. The robbers made off with mobile phones and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The Driver’s Account
Mr. Basit Mumuni, the driver of the vehicle, shared the ordeal with the Ghana News Agency (GNA). He recounted how four armed men stopped the car at the Dangi Junction early on Friday morning. The delay caused by the robbery led to the woman’s death, as she was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Tumu Government Hospital.
Return and Burial of the Deceased
Following the woman’s death, her remains were returned to Welembelle, where she was laid to rest according to Islamic tradition. Her tragic death has left the community in mourning, with increased concerns about security in the area.
Call for Stronger Security Measures
Welembelle resident, Mr. Jigne Suleman Musah, expressed his outrage at the incident, calling it a “death caused by sheer criminality.” He urged the police and other security agencies to increase patrols in the area and ensure that those responsible for the robbery are brought to justice. Musah also highlighted the lack of a resident medical doctor at the Welembelle Polyclinic, which has led to many cases being referred to Tumu and Wa, further exacerbating the risks posed by poor road conditions.
Robbery Details and Additional Victims
The robbery occurred between Kong and Nankpawie around 5:30 a.m. on July 4. Police confirmed that three other victims, including a teenage boy, were shot during the robbery while travelling in a separate vehicle from Tumu to Wa. These victims sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to the Tumu Hospital for treatment before being transferred to the Upper West Regional Hospital for further care.
Investigation and Police Response
At the time of reporting, no arrests had been made, but police investigations were underway. ASP Johnson Adusei Poku, the Sissala East Municipal Police Commander, assured the public that the perpetrators would be brought to justice as soon as possible. He also requested additional police officers to support efforts in enhancing security in the region.
Community Grief and Calls for Protection
As the community mourned the loss of a mother of four, calls for increased protection grew louder. Residents of Welembelle have called for stronger security measures to prevent further armed robbery attacks in the Sissala East Municipality, ensuring that such tragic events do not repeat.
