Nkwanta South: Interior Ministry Imposes Curfew Following Deadly Attack in Odomi

The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew in several communities within the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region, effective June 19, 2026. The movement restriction, which runs daily from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., was implemented following a violent surge in the area, specifically a deadly attack in Odomi that claimed the lives of three individuals and left nine others seriously injured. The curfew covers key areas including Nkwanta, Keri, Abrewanko, and Shari, as authorities move to stem the tide of escalating retaliatory violence that has already forced many residents to flee their homes.

Following the advice of the National Security Council, the government has coupled the curfew with a total ban on the carrying of arms, ammunition, or any offensive weapons within the affected communities. Security agencies have been tasked with strict enforcement of these measures, and the Interior Ministry has warned that any individual found violating these directives will face severe legal penalties. The government’s primary objective is to restore order and provide a secure environment where local leaders can engage in peace efforts without the immediate threat of further bloodshed.

Traditional and religious leaders have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation. Nana Soglo Allorh, President of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, condemned the recent killings and noted that while a seven-member investigative committee was previously established to find a lasting solution to the conflict, its work has been stalled due to a lack of funding. He called for urgent collaboration between the government, security agencies, and community leaders to revitalize mediation efforts. Similarly, the Catholic Diocese of Jasikan, through Bishop Most Rev. Simon Kofi Appiah, has urged residents to choose dialogue over hostility, emphasizing that genuine resolutions arise from mutual respect and understanding rather than violence.

As the curfew takes effect, the focus remains on stabilizing the region and preventing further casualties. The government is urging residents to express their grievances through non-violent channels and has called on community leaders to actively promote calm. The success of these security measures will depend on the ability of state institutions to address the underlying causes of the conflict while ensuring that the investigative bodies tasked with resolving the dispute are adequately resourced to complete their mandate.