A violent confrontation between two rival groups of illegal timber loggers in Sehwi Agyemadiem, located in the Juaboso District of the Western North Region, has left five people dead and several others seriously injured.
The deadly clash, which erupted early Tuesday morning, was reportedly fueled by a dispute over control of prime logging areas. Sources indicate that both factions had long been engaged in illegal timber harvesting, a growing issue in the region.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and brutal, with the rival groups wielding pump-action guns, machetes, and other weapons commonly associated with their activities. In the midst of the violence, a Mitsubishi pickup truck (registration number GE 9075-17) was set ablaze.
Authorities are yet to officially identify the deceased, who are believed to be members of one of the warring factions. Police have been deployed to restore order, transport the bodies, and launch an investigation into the incident.
The injured have been rushed to hospitals in Sefwi Asawinso for urgent medical attention.
This latest outbreak of violence has intensified concerns over illegal logging in the area. Residents and local authorities are now calling for stricter enforcement of forestry laws to curb further destruction of natural resources and prevent future conflicts.
