The Brong Ahafo Regional Minister has denied reports that scores of people have died following clashes between residents of Drobo and Japekrom in the Jaman South District of the region.

Evans Poku Bobbie said official report puts the total number of deaths at two and not more than that.

“Officially, two people have been killed. That is according to the report submitted to the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) by the Municipal Security Council.”

The two were among a group that led the townsfolk of Japekrom including chiefs, as part of activities preceding the celebration of the Munufie Festival to perform cleansing rites at the Mpuasu River.

Reports suggest they were shot by some gunmen who were hiding on top of the Drobo Chief’s palace.  About fifteen others who were injured in the attack are receiving treatment at the hospital.

The police suspect the attack may have been ignited by a long-standing land dispute between the people Japekrom and Drobo.

Both the Drobo and Japekrom Traditional Councils had claimed a higher number of fatalities were reported dead during the clashes but the Minister said official reports dispute the earlier claims.

He added “I would only speak to the report before me, I do not want to wade into counter allegations coming from both sides.”

Mr Bobbie said after visits to both traditional councils, none of the chiefs has informed him about deaths contrary to what the REGSEC report stated.

Related: Drobo killings: ‘3 persons beheaded’ – Traditional Council oppose police account

Responding to allegations of brutality meted out to residents by military men called in to restore order, the Minister said the issue is being investigated.

He said the regional military commander has assured that if proven true, officers complicit in the act will be brought to book.

He also said no reports of beheading as reported have been brought to his attention.

On the issue of missing residents in both towns, Mr Bobbie said police and military personnel have been tasked to search for them.

Meanwhile, the Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery, has by an Executive Instrument imposed a curfew on Drobo, Japekrom and six other communities in the Jaman South Municipality of the Brong Ahafo Region.

Babianiha, Kwasibourkrom, Mpausu, Basekrom, Kojokesekrom and Katakyiekrom have all been affected by the curfew.

The curfew, takes effect from Thursday October 18, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM each day, and will remain in force until further notice.