Tension and fear gripped the residents and traders of Chiana on Thursday afternoon after four armed men brazenly attacked the town’s main market, escaping with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The robbery occurred at approximately 4:00 p.m., disrupting the otherwise busy market day. Witnesses say the perpetrators, riding in pairs on two motorbikes, arrived suddenly and began firing warning shots into the air, sending traders and shoppers scrambling for cover.
“They fired multiple times. Everyone was shouting and running in different directions. It was total chaos,” said one witness, who requested anonymity for safety reasons.
The attackers are reported to have targeted at least two shops in the market, believed to be holding substantial amounts of cash from sales.
According to affected shopkeepers, the robbers moved swiftly, demanding money at gunpoint before fleeing the scene on their motorbikes.
No injuries or fatalities were reported, but the psychological impact on victims and witnesses has been significant. Several residents said they are now living in fear, especially as market days attract large crowds and significant cash transactions.
Law enforcement responded promptly, with a combined team of police and military personnel arriving shortly after the criminals had escaped. Officers have since cordoned off the area to preserve the crime scene and are working to collect evidence, including CCTV footage and eyewitness statements.
Upper East Regional Police officials have confirmed that investigations are underway and have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
In the aftermath of the attack, there are renewed calls from the community for improved security, particularly on market days. Some traders have suggested setting up a dedicated police post within the market to deter criminal activities.
“This is not the first time something like this has happened here,” said a trader. “We need protection. We can’t keep living in fear every time we come to sell our goods.”
Authorities have assured residents that security will be intensified in the coming weeks, and patrols around market areas will be increased.
