Three arrested, several injured in Segyimase violent youth clash over girlfriend

A heated altercation involving a romantic dispute erupted in Akyem Segyimase, leading to multiple injuries and the arrest of three individuals. Security forces, comprising police and military personnel, have since restored order.

The confrontation broke out between two opposing youth factions in Akyem Segyimase, a community near Kyebi in the Abuakwa South Municipality of the Eastern Region.

According to reports, the clash began on Thursday, September 4, and quickly escalated.

The conflict was allegedly triggered when a known drug user from a nearby ghetto physically attacked a local resident, accusing him of making advances toward his girlfriend.

In retaliation, the assaulted individual is said to have gathered support from members of the town, leading to a widespread confrontation between youths from the ghetto and those from the main community.

Witnesses recounted that some participants were armed with guns and machetes, with intermittent gunfire heard throughout the melee.

The violence stretched across several days, causing panic and prompting many residents to temporarily abandon their homes. Calm was eventually restored on Sunday following the intervention of security personnel.

During the security operation, authorities apprehended three individuals, although the prime suspect, identified as “Okyeman Rasta,” remains at large.

Assembly Member for Segyimase, Addo Ernest Addison, verified the situation, stating that those wounded in the clashes are currently being treated at Kyebi Government Hospital.

He further noted that “police are preparing to arraign the arrested suspects before court.”