The Bono Regional Police Command is investigating the brutal murder of 87-year-old retired veterinary officer, Alhaji Abdulai Toure, whose body was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds on Monday, June 1, 2026, near a public cemetery in New Japan, a suburb of Sampa in the Jaman North District. The discovery has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
Investigation Underway Following Gruesome Discovery
Police were alerted to the discovery of the body and immediately proceeded to the scene. Alhaji Toure, a native of Berekum, was found lying face down, dressed in distinctive blue-and-white striped lace clothing and wearing a wristwatch, though he was barefoot. The presence of numerous gunshot wounds indicates a violent end to his life.
The Ghana Police Service, through its Bono Regional Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, confirmed the incident in a statement released to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani. The statement detailed the initial findings and the ongoing efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Background of Recent Threats and Attack
Preliminary investigations have shed light on recent events that may be connected to the murder. It was revealed that the deceased had previously reported an incident to the police involving unidentified individuals who set his house in Sampa and his Opel Kadett vehicle ablaze. This prior attack suggests a pattern of targeted aggression against Alhaji Toure.
Following the arson incident, Alhaji Toure reportedly boarded a passenger bus, registration number AS 9859-14, from the Sampa lorry station en route to Berekum. The journey took a sinister turn when the bus driver stopped at a vulcanizer to inflate a tire.
Eyewitness Accounts and Suspect Identification
During this stop, four young men, identified by the aliases Abode, Mepawokyew, Alaska, and Baala, boarded the bus. According to the police statement, these individuals forcibly removed Alhaji Toure from the vehicle. A struggle ensued before they pushed him into a waiting auto rickshaw, commonly known as a “pragya,” and sped off towards the cemetery area on the Kokoa road.
A search of the crime scene yielded significant evidence, including five spent AAA cartridge casings and three spent BBB cartridge casings. This forensic evidence strongly supports the assertion that the deceased was shot multiple times.
Community Reaction and Police Appeal
Siaka Yahaya, a 45-year-old farmer, has identified the deceased as his stepfather, underscoring the personal tragedy within the community. The discovery of the body and the circumstances surrounding it have caused considerable distress among residents of Sampa and surrounding areas.
The Bono Regional Police Command has stated that efforts are actively underway to identify and apprehend the four suspects. They have also issued an appeal to the public, urging anyone with relevant information that could assist in the investigation to come forward. The police have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the security and safety of the region.
Implications and Future Watch
This heinous crime raises serious concerns about the security situation in the Jaman North District and the Bono Region as a whole. The targeting of an elderly individual, coupled with the prior arson attack, suggests a level of premeditation and potential organized criminal activity. The police’s success in apprehending the suspects will be crucial in restoring public confidence and preventing future incidents. The investigation’s progress will be closely watched, particularly regarding the motive behind the attack and the potential links between the suspects and the earlier arson incident. The community’s cooperation in providing information will be vital in resolving this case.
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