Tension has gripped the Basyonde community in the Tempane District of the Upper East Region following an alleged invasion by armed military personnel on the morning of Monday, November 3, 2025.
According to residents, soldiers stormed the town around 11:00 a.m., just hours after two Immigration Service officers were attacked by unknown gunmen at Nagani, a nearby community. One officer was killed while the other sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
The Assembly Member for Basyonde, Haruna Asaana Musah, told Graphic Online that he was alerted by a resident about the soldiers’ movement from Bawku toward the area. He said the District Chief Executive (DCE), Joseph Mbilla, confirmed that the military intended to carry out a “special search” in connection with the earlier shooting incident.
“We thought it was a normal intelligence-led operation, but before they even entered the town, they began beating women and anyone they met along the way,” Musah recounted.
He alleged that upon arrival, the soldiers assaulted residents indiscriminately, creating panic and forcing many to flee. Among those attacked, he said, were his 65-year-old father and an uncle.
“My dad and another man were sitting by their shop when the soldiers parked an armoured vehicle nearby. They rushed toward them, kicked him down, and started beating him without explanation,” he said.
Several others reportedly sustained injuries during the incident. Five people have been confirmed injured—two currently hospitalized at the Basyonde Health Centre, while others are recovering at home. Some victims allegedly fled without seeking medical attention.
Following intervention by local authorities, calm was restored as the soldiers were directed to move toward Nagani, about 10 kilometres away, where the attack on the immigration officers took place.
“The officials of the district have visited the hospital to assess the victims, and I’ve asked my representative to monitor the situation,” Musah said, adding that fear still lingers among residents.
Many community members remain anxious, with some reportedly yet to return home.
Meanwhile, a statement from the Upper East Regional Police Command, signed by Chief Inspector Abdul Rahman Sumaila, confirmed that a manhunt is underway for the gunmen who attacked the immigration officers.
