The Kakum National Park, renowned for its biodiversity and crucial role in conservation, has recently been rocked by a shocking incident: the death of a wildlife guard, Benjamin Ahadu, following a reported shooting. This report details the events leading up to the tragedy, the recollections of the grieving brother, and the ongoing investigation into potential involvement, drawing upon a newly recounted statement from the deceased.
The incident occurred during a routine patrol by the Kakum National Park’s wildlife officers, tasked with tracking suspected bushmeat hunters, a locally recognized practice referred to as ‘butchers.’ The patrol, initiated around 10:00 a.m. on Friday, began with the team identifying a potential entry point, allegedly utilized by these hunters, based on preliminary observations and mapping data.
According to Mr. Ahadu, the wildlife team was monitoring the movement of these hunters when they heard gunshots. The officers, while utilizing torchlights, reportedly directed their attention to the suspected hunters, allowing them to track their movements in the darkness. The account notes that the officers weren’t employing traditional torchlights, a detail that distinguishes this particular patrol.
Mr. Ahadu stated that the wildlife officers were not using torchlights, which, according to his account, allowed the officers to track the hunters’ movements with greater ease. He emphasized that the officers quickly moved toward the area and observed one of the hunters fleeing. It was during this pursuit that Mr. Ahadu heard his brother allegedly shout for help, a statement he described as occurring shortly after the shooting.
He recalled the voice being initially indistinct, prompting the team to immediately search for his brother. The team subsequently discovered Mr. Ahadu deceased, with a gunshot wound to his chest. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under official investigation, with investigators focusing on establishing the precise sequence of events and identifying any potential leads.
The incident is not the first in the park’s history; a similar shooting occurred approximately eleven years prior, according to Mr. Ahadu’s account. He asserted a connection between this recent incident and the earlier event, suggesting a possible link between the deaths of individuals connected to the previous incident and the current shooting. The claim has not been independently verified, and the investigation is currently being assessed to determine if it represents a potential pattern or a deliberate act.
Mr. Ahadu further detailed his brother’s decades-long service at Kakum National Park, describing him as a crucial source of support for his family. The family is demanding justice and has stated that they will not resort to retaliation. They expressed their hope that the investigation will thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify those responsible, ensuring accountability and preventing future occurrences. The police and wildlife authorities are expected to conduct a comprehensive investigation, including forensic analysis of the crime scene and interviews with all involved parties, to establish the precise sequence of events and identify the individuals involved.
The incident has undoubtedly renewed concerns about the safety of wildlife officers and resource guards who patrol protected areas and confront suspected illegal activities, highlighting the risks inherent in these roles. The investigation is being treated as a serious matter, emphasizing the importance of robust security measures and vigilance to safeguard the park’s valuable resources and the well-being of its personnel.
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Source: Adom Online
