An uneasy calm has returned to New Winneba in the Central Region following an armed mob attack that left three people dead and several others injured.

The violence, which affected New Winneba and surrounding communities, is believed to have been linked to a land dispute between residents of the Effutu and Gomoa areas.

Police have arrested seven suspects in connection with the incident and have intensified security operations in the affected communities to prevent further violence.

Some residents, including women and children, reportedly sought refuge in churches overnight amid fears for their safety.

One resident who recounted his ordeal. “I came by myself to the room. I was attacked by five people and they took my phone along, and my GHS 500 on it. So they beat me before taking the phone,” he said.

Another resident said: “Actually, we are afraid. So we have been staying in our rooms. We have not been able to sleep. We pray for peace to reign."

To maintain law and order, the Central Regional Police Commander, DCOP Ohene Bossman said the police have deployed additional personnel, including two armoured vehicles brought in from Accra by the Inspector-General of Police and his team.

Four patrol cars are also operating in the area, while the armoured vehicles have been positioned at strategic locations to deter criminal activity and respond quickly to any emerging threats.

DCOP Bosman said the police have also established six evening checkpoints where vehicles are stopped and searched for weapons or other implements that could be used to commit further offences.

“What we do is stop cars to check and search to ensure you don’t have any implement to come and do any offensive conduct. That is what the police has done so far,” he explained.

He said the heightened security presence would continue during both the day and night as investigations into the violence proceed.

The police have urged residents to remain calm, avoid confrontations and cooperate with security personnel as efforts continue to identify and arrest other persons who may have been involved in the violence.

The authorities are also working to prevent reprisal attacks and restore confidence among residents who remain concerned about returning to their homes.