The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Nzema East Municipal in the Western Region, Herbert Kuah Dickson, has strongly condemned the violent clash between the youth of Adelekezo and JAS Mining Company, urging residents to remain calm as investigations into the incident continue.
The disturbance, which occurred last weekend in Adelekezo, a farming community near Axim, resulted in the death of a 14-year-old boy. Several vehicles and excavators belonging to the mining company were set ablaze, while other valuable properties were destroyed. Some individuals also sustained injuries during the clash.
Speaking on the incident, Kuah Dickson expressed deep concern over the loss of life and the destruction of property, describing the situation as unfortunate and unacceptable. He assured residents that the Municipal Assembly, in collaboration with security agencies, is committed to conducting a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances that led to the violence.
The MCE condemned the actions of both the youth involved and the mining company, stressing that no individual or group would be protected if found culpable in orchestrating the violence that culminated in the fatal shooting of the minor.
He emphasised the need for residents to cooperate fully with the security agencies to help restore peace, law, and order in the community, adding that justice would be served once investigations are concluded.
Kuah Dickson also disclosed that before the incident, the Assembly had engaged the community and cautioned residents and landowners against engaging foreign nationals, particularly Chinese operators, in any form of mining activities. According to him, these directives were ignored, as some landowners proceeded to lease their lands for mining purposes.
He noted that the disregard for these warnings significantly contributed to the tensions and chaos that eventually erupted into violence.
The MCE reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring peace and protecting lives and property in the municipality, while calling on all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue and lawful processes in addressing grievances.
Oyerepafmonline.com
