A late night sporadic gun attack on residents in the Northern Region town of Bimbilla has claimed at least three lives and critically injured scores.

Eyewitnesses say the shooting started at about 9 pm on Thursday and was directed at a group of people going about their business.

The shooting reportedly forced the residents to flee the scene to their homes.

At least seven people are currently in critical condition at the Bimbilla District Hospital, reports Joy News Northern Region Correspondent, Hashmin Mohammed.

“An eyewitness at the hospital who wants to remain anonymous tells me nine people with gunshots wounds have been admitted...Their situation requires a specialist or a tertiary health facility care but there is no ambulance to transport them to the Tamale Teaching Hospital,” reports Hashmin.

Many more casualties are being transported in pickups to the hospital, according to Hashmin.

The motive for the attack is unknown, however, some residents link it to a raging chieftaincy dispute in the town.

Related: Stop meddling in Bimbilla dispute - Regional, Defence Ministers warned

Police are yet to comment on the situation.

Conflict hotspot

Bimbilla is notorious for its long-drawn-out chieftaincy dispute and associated fatal clashes.

Read: Bimbilla: Adani Family fumes over Nakpa Naa burial, threatens action

A similar sporadic shooting in the area last year claimed the life of a 40-year-old woman and injured her 14-year-old daughter.

Related video: Bimbilla Crisis