Suspected rioters arrested in Tafo

Scores of youth suspected to have taken part in the riots at Tafo, leading to the death of one person, were yesterday arrested in a joint military and police operation.

Armed with guns, tear gas and batons and dressed in combat gears, the military and the police moved into households and picked up mostly young men.

Security presence

Earlier during the day, the security personnel picked up information that some Muslim youth were planning to avenge the death of one of their friends who was shot during the riot and later died at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

The youth, who were preparing for the burial of their friend, decided to cause havoc before going to the cemetery.

This prompted the security agencies to quickly move in and cordon off the area, blocking the road.

This brought activities on that section of the road to a standstill with most of the shops and offices locked up and residents asked to remain indoors.

Security delegation

A high-powered security delegation led by the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Richmond Kwame Opuku-Adusei, and the members of the Ashanti Regional Security Council called on the Tafohene and held a closed door meeting with him.

Maj.Gen Opoku-Adusei said the delegation was in the area at the behest of President John Dramani Mahama, who was worried about the development in the area.

He said they were there to assess the situation and to meet with the parties and find a lasting solution to the impasse.

Curfew

The Ashanti Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Yussif Tanko, said the dusk to dawn curfew announced by the REGSEC would remain in force till Monday when the situation would be reassessed for further action.

As at the time of going to press, he confirmed to the Daily Graphic that over 40 suspects had been picked up by the security officers for their roles in the riots.