A 45-year-old man, identified as Apana Awasiaku, has been arrested in Navrongo, a suburb of Biu, following a reported assault on his over 90-year-old aunt, Atima Alugu. The incident, which occurred late last month, has ignited a firestorm of controversy and prompted a formal investigation by JoyNews, highlighting the escalating tensions and unresolved issues within the Upper East Region’s community. The assault, captured on video by JoyNews, depicts a violent confrontation between the man and his aunt, centering around allegations of witchcraft and a history of alleged deaths among the community’s young people.
The details of the incident, as reported by multiple sources, began with a video circulating on JoyNews that shows Mr. Awasiaku physically assaulting Mrs. Alugu. According to individuals familiar with the situation, the man, who is a nephew of the elderly woman, accused her of being the cause of the deaths of several young men and women in the area. This accusation, rooted in deeply held beliefs within the community, forms the basis of the ongoing legal proceedings.
The family of Mrs. Alugu has provided a detailed account of the events, stating that Mr. Awasiaku was riding a tricycle to her residence on the afternoon of last month. During the encounter, the man reportedly delivered a chilling message: ‘either he dies or she dies,’ suggesting a belief that he was destined to inflict harm upon his aunt. The woman, initially attributing the encounter to harmlessness, was reportedly struck across the face with a wooden writing slate, prompting her to scream for help. Witnesses reported that Mr. Awasiaku then forcibly pushed her onto the ground, leading to her subsequent escape towards a neighbor’s house. The neighbor, who witnessed the incident, reportedly rushed to her aid, but Mr. Awasiaku allegedly continued the assault, forcing Mrs. Alugu to flee toward a neighbor’s house. The situation escalated when, according to relatives, Mr. Awasiaku caught up with her between her house and that of the neighbor, resuming the assault. The neighbor pleaded with him to stop, and a subsequent attempt to calm the situation was thwarted when one of the neighbor’s sons was called to the scene, but Mrs. Alugu suffered severe beatings. The incident was immediately reported to the police, and it subsequently was taken to court.
The family maintains that despite the legal proceedings, Mr. Awasiaku remains in the community, and they are demanding compensation of GH¢2,000 or a jail term. They claim he has not paid the compensation, a claim the family vehemently denies, alleging that he continues to move freely within the community and poses a continued threat to Mrs. Alugu’s safety. Mrs. Alugu has been temporarily relocated to a relative’s home to ensure her security, and the family is urging for increased intervention to address the situation and guarantee the safety of the elderly woman.
JoyNews has confirmed that the police are investigating the incident, but the investigation has been described as ‘mushy’ by some sources. The family is seeking further legal assistance to ensure the safety of Mrs. Alugu and to secure a full and transparent investigation into the events that transpired. The incident highlights the complex social dynamics and historical tensions within the Upper East Region, particularly concerning traditional beliefs and the impact on vulnerable communities. The investigation is ongoing, and JoyNews will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
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Source: MyJoyOnline
