Three suspected armed robbers cum kidnappers believe to be syndicates operating in the northern regions were busted arrested at separate locations in Tamale. The suspects according to the police were involved in attacking on the highways arrived in Tamale to plan for their operations.
Briefing the media, Northern Regional Police Commander, Commissioner of Police (COP) Timothy Yosa Bonga told the media that the suspects were lodging in sperate hotels including Ackman Hotel and Las Hotel in Tamale in preparation to move to Salga, Makango, Bimbila and Wunlesi areas to attack and kidnap people for ransom.
The police upon intelligent raided the two hotels and arrested Ussif Mohammed-22 years, a Fulani herdsman from Akwadum near Koforidua, Sanda Mohammed-23 years also a Fulani herdsman from Kintampo and Mahamadu Umar-23 years a Fulani herdsman from Bunjai in Salaga.
A search conducted on suspects by the police, COP Yosa Bonga revealed that Mahamadu Umar had in his possession a machete, a mobile phone and GHC 1500.00; Ussif Mohammed also had in his possession of three mobile phones, cash of GHC 1,800.00 and mobile money of GHC 5,239.00 on his MOMO Wallet. Sanda Mohammed COP Yosa Bonga said had in his possession three mobile phones and cash of GHC 2,561.00.
The suspects he explained upon interrogation couldn’t explained circumstances under which such monies were obtained adding that the suspects refused to lead investigators to their place of abode for further investigations.
The police also obtained a videos and scenes of suspects displaying cash bundles of fifty Ghana cedis notes being splashed by them in what appeared to be booties collected from robbery scenes or otherwise of ransoms received from kidnappings.
Trend of kidnappings
Northern region has recorded three kidnappings since the beginning of the year. The victims have since paid various ransom, the highest being GHC 100,000 (1billion old cedis).
The syndicates so far according to the police targets wealthy cattle herdsmen living in the eastern corridor and some parts of North East Gonja district.
Answering questions on the trend, COP Yosa Bonga said the unfortunate incidents are within Northern, Savannah and North East with Savannah, particularly Salaga, Buipe and Damongo areas recording high suspected cases.
In the case of Bimbila where the 100.000 ransom was paid, some suspects were arrested and currently in court. The police, he observed that the criminal’s modus operandi target families with resources especially, among the wealthy Fulani community.
On the safety of the people in the region, COP Yosa Bonga assured that his men are up to task to ensure residents go about their duty without intimidation or fear.