The Upper East Regional Minister Mark Wayongo has described Thursday’s machete attack on two farmers on their farm in Bawku as a big blow to the prevailing peace in the area and assures that the police are on a manhunt for the perpetrators. “It is a very, very big blow. We were in the midst of a regional ministers’ conference when this news broke. I was surprised, I was shocked to hear that this incident had taken place,” he told Joy News’ Dzifa Bampoh Thursday evening. He said the police have been instructed to hunt down the assailants as soon as possible. The farmers were attacked in broad daylight while working on their farm by unknown assailants, Bawku Municipal Police Commander, ACP Boadu Peprah has confirmed. The victims are said to be in critical state and have been rushed to the Bawku hospital for care. One though has been transferred to the Bolgatanga hospital because his situation is even more precarious, the Minister confirmed. Earlier accounts suggested the two had been sent to the Bolgatanga Hospital. He said the victims have been prepared for the theatre. Wayongo is convinced that the attack is linked to the protracted ethnic strife between the Kusasis and the Mamprusis but said the attack is an isolated case and could be contained. The Minister said more vehicles are needed to increase mobility for the police in the area. Mamprusi leaders have asked the youth to remain calm in the face of the provocation. One of the leaders, Alhaji Ibrahim Kobila said they will resist the temptation for a reprisal attack. Meanwhile, the Bawku Naba has also described the incident as “embarrassing”. His spokesperson, Thomas Abila, said the Bawku Naba is concerned about the attack because it has a potential of marring the peace in the area. He however described the incident as an isolated case, saying, the Bawku Naba has instructed everybody to remain calm.