Police in the Ashanti Region have charged 16 persons in connection with Tuesday’s clash between some butchers at the Kumasi abattoir.
The 16 persons who have been charged with disturbing public peace at a public place are leaders of two factions who are battling over the position of the chief butcher after the demise of the substantive one.
Armed police and military personnel were deployed to the Kumasi abattoir after the two factions engaged in a stone-throwing clash.
Six people who sustained injuries were later treated and discharged after they were rushed to the hospital.
A reporter with the Islamic Library channel television who was covering the event was injured in the process.
Although the police have not spoken on record, they told Citi News the 16 persons will be arraigned.
On October 13, 2019, the Council of Zongo Chiefs installed one Alhaji Muntari Bature as the Chief Butcher after the demise of Alhaji Musah Bawa Tanko on October 3, 2019.
Another person, Ibrahim Wahab Tikuma says he was elected by the Butchers Association and thus recognizes himself as the Chief Butcher.
Butchers at the Kumasi Abattoir remained divided over the matter.
The Ashanti Regional Security Council later intervened and asked both factions to hold on until they investigate the matter and come out with the final report.
Confusion, however, broke out when Alhaji Bature went to the Abattoir today [Tuesday]. Both factions narrated their sides of the story to Citi News.
Ibrahim Wahab Tikuma, one of the leaders of the groups, claimed he had been elected and recognised by the majority of the butchers as the Chief Butcher.
The other leader, Alhaji Muntari Bature, also said he was born into the profession and has been installed and recognised by the Council of Zongo Chiefs as the Chief Butcher.
Source:Fiilafmonline/CitiNews
