A deadly daylight gun attack killed four people and injured several others in Garu in the Upper East Region.
The shocking incident, which occurred around 10 a.m., sent residents fleeing for their lives as gunshots echoed across parts of the township, particularly near the district office of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
According to eyewitness accounts, four armed men riding on two motorbikes stormed the NHIA office and opened fire indiscriminately.
Two of the assailants were said to be wearing smocks and helmets, while the other two had their faces concealed with masks.
In the initial attack, two people were shot dead on the spot — one inside the NHIA office, who was later identified as a staff member, and another man who was outside the premises.
The attackers then continued their rampage beyond the health insurance office, shooting randomly at bystanders and fleeing residents, including teachers and pupils.
The violence claimed the life of the headteacher of Garu G/A Primary School, who was caught in the crossfire while trying to ensure the safety of his pupils.
A local chief was also gunned down after the assailants, while fleeing the scene, encountered him on his way to the market. He reportedly died instantly.
The gunmen are said to have seized a new motorbike from one of their victims before escaping.
Attackers flee through town
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers sped through the Garu Presbyterian Hospital area, passed by the Garu Catholic Junior High School, and headed toward the Kugri/Songo road. Their current whereabouts remain unknown.
Residents described the scene as chaotic, with people running in all directions to seek safety. Businesses immediately shut down, and the usually bustling town center turned desolate within minutes.
One witness told reporters that the attack appeared well-coordinated, as the gunmen “knew exactly where to strike” and moved swiftly between targets.
Calls for calm and justice
Hospital sources confirmed that four people had died, while several others were receiving treatment for gunshot wounds at the Garu Presbyterian Hospital.
Medical staff described the condition of some victims as critical.
Community leaders have since called for calm but urged authorities to step up security in the area and swiftly investigate the motive behind the brutal assault.
Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but police sources say investigations have begun, with patrol teams deployed across the Garu enclave to restore order and reassure residents.
The attack marks one of the deadliest incidents to hit the area in recent times and has reignited calls for stronger intelligence operations to curb rising insecurity in parts of the Upper East Region.
