Two people are reported dead with nineteen houses burnt in an escalated violence between supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Northern Region. Mahama Djameni an NDC constituency Chairman in Gushegu appears to have been worse hit, losing his two houses and cars to activities of arsonists. A member of the NDC Ibrahim Adam who confirmed this to Joy Fm in an interview with Akwasi Sarpong, attributed the incident to growing animosity between supporters of the two major political parties in the region. Even though he admitted the two parties are both to blame for similar confrontations, he alleged the NPP has been more guilty, citing Sundays reported arsons in the region as typical example. He also alleged the whereabouts of Mahama Djameni could not be traced even though reports claim he was whisked away to safety by the police. Meanwhile, three NDC MPs for Tamale have jointly issued a statement declaring the innocence of NDC supporters, but accusing the Police for not doing enough to bring the situation under control. Haruna Iddrissu MP for Tamale south claim the attacks are part of a ploy by the NPP to destabilise the region ahead of the December elections. His colleague, Inusah Fuseini MP for Tamale Central, condemned the incident and appealed to supporters to remain calm in the face of intense provocation. But he warned situation may get out of control in the face of continued provocation. The Northern Regional General Secretary of the NPP Faisal Gbandili has also accused the NDC of starting the violence. He insisted the NPP would not rely on violence to win election and called on party supporters to remain calm. The police say they are working tediously to restore peace in the region. Speaking to Joy news, ACP Maxwell Atindani Deputy regional police commander refuted claims that the police have delayed in taking action to bring the situation under control. According to him, they have intensified their patrol, which is aimed at securing lasting peace in the region. ACP Atindani could only confirm the burning of a shop and a pavilion in Tamale belonging to NDC and NPP respectively, but was relying on the District commander in Gushegu to provide adequate information on the happenings over there. “I don’t want to eat my words. I want to be adequately informed before I can comment or confirm the number of deaths.” He insisted He said four other people have also suffered cutlass wounds in Tamale. ACP Atindani however called on the public to provide information which will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators. The violence was sparked by reports of gun shots that marred an NPP rally to herald the vice presidential hopeful Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Author: Nathan Gadugah Listen to Ibrahim Adam speak to Akwasi Sarpong