The death toll in the ongoing Bawku conflict has risen to 21, following the killing of a Bolga-Bawku commercial driver on Saturday, November 2.

Known as Maadi, the victim was ambushed while traveling to Bolgatanga, and his vehicle was burned in the attack, intensifying tensions in the already volatile area.

Read also: Death toll in renewed Bawku conflict clashes could top 20 

The recent surge in violence is linked to the return of Alhaji Seidu Abagre, a rival chief who had been in exile since February 2023 due to an arrest warrant issued after his disputed installation as chief in Nalerigu.

His return, permitted by an October 17 High Court ruling in Kumasi that nullified the warrant, has reignited longstanding chieftaincy tensions.

Read also: Death toll in Bawku conflict rises to 19 following latest killings

His arrival in Bawku on October 24 set off a series of violent incidents, including gunfire exchanges that left two people dead and several others injured.

With renewed violence gripping the area, authorities have imposed a curfew from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, with security forces actively working to maintain order and prevent further clashes.