The Overlord of Dagbon, Ndan Yaa-Naa Abukari II has directed all chiefs and the youth of the Dagbon Traditional Area to desist from the display and use of sophisticated weapons during the performance of funerals and other traditional events.
According to the King, Dagbon kingdom is being threatened through the misuse and abuse of small arms and light weapons by the youth during traditional festivals and at some events and performance of funerals in Dagbon.
The King who doubles as president of the Dagbon Traditional Council gave the directives when he was speaking at the emergency meeting organized by the Dagbon Traditional Council on Saturday November 5, 2022.
He said, it is prudent for traditional authority to combat the menace of illicit weapons in the hands of unauthorized civilians in the Dagbon traditional area.
“We should be reminded that Dagbon is not at war! Therefore, I am directing all chiefs and the youth in Dagbon to henceforth stop the display and use of assault rifles during funerals. All members of this august council, as a matter of urgency should implement this directive within their respective traditional areas,” he said
He noted that, some of the youth of the Dgabon Traditional Area have taken the laws into their own hands and attempting to militarize the Kingdom with the open display and use of sophisticated weapons at some traditional funerals grounds.
“I have been reliably informed by my elders, some security personnel and other peace-loving citizens about the brazen impunity by some youths in carrying sophisticated weapons and live ammunitions at various funerals especially during the installation of Regents and circumbulation of houses. This blatant lawlessness is prevalent in the entire Dagbon and sometimes caught in videos and photographs in circulation,” he said.
“Regrettably, at the recent installation of the regents of Na Dachie Dalun-Lana, Naa Yab Gushie-Naa and Naa Bapira Mionlana as well as the circumambulation of houses at the Funerals of Naa Yab Sing-Lana and Naa Bapira Tugu-Yepalsi-Naa, the open display and indiscriminate and unwarranted use of assault rifles like AK47, SMG, Pump Action guns were in abundance,” he added.
The King further explained that, “this lawless misconduct of firing assault rifles was even witnessed during this year’s Damba Festival, a celebration of immense significance to showcase our rich cultural heritage. Sadly, most of these youths carrying the weapons are usually part of the entourage of some chiefs. I wonder why chiefs would like to go to funerals carrying illicit assault weapons.
He said, what the youth in Dagbon need to display at the funerals and other traditional events is their beautiful smocks and their rich culture but not fire arms and other dangerous materials.
The King in his address also mentioned that, his outfit is working towards engaging the relevant security agencies in the Region to support the traditional authority to combat the menace.
On his part, the Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Sayibu Alhassan Shaani, welcomed the idea and pledged to support the efforts in combating the menace.
Several dignitaries including the Northern Region Minister Alhaji Shaibu Alhassan Shaani, the Executive Director of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Madam Afi Yakubu, Members of the Peace Council, members of the Dagbon Traditional Council attended the meeting.
Story By: Alhassan Yakubu
