Murdered Lecturer: Binduri Chief, Family Demand Justice

The Sakpari family of the late lecturer at the Gbewaa College of Education, Mr Abdulai Issaka, together with the Chief and people of Binduri, have expressed grief, outrage and disappointment over his death.

Mr Issaka died on September 11, 2026, following an encounter with military personnel during curfew enforcement operations in Bawku.

Naba Akuol-buudi Salifu Akolbillah, the Chief of Binduri, the deceased’s family and community members said they were devastated by the loss of the respected educator, brother, son, husband and member of the community.

They also expressed outrage over the circumstances surrounding his death, which, according to the family’s account, involved what appeared to be a grave and unacceptable use of force against an unarmed civilian.

According to the family, at approximately 11:48 p.m. on September 11, Mr Mathias Ananga received a telephone call from Mr Nicholas Yahaya Issaka, a sibling of the late lecturer, informing him that their brother had allegedly been arrested by military personnel in Bawku during curfew patrols.

He was reportedly told that a member of the family was required to take custody of Mr Issaka.

Mr Ananga immediately proceeded to the location and, according to the family, found four military personnel standing beside Mr Issaka, who was lying unconscious on the ground.

The military personnel allegedly advised Mr Ananga to take his brother to hospital.

The family said the military personnel were in an armoured vehicle with registration number 21-GA 37.

According to the family’s account, Mr Issaka’s wife arrived shortly at the scene and she and Mr Ananga moved him to the Quality Hospital in Bawku for medical attention.

The family said Mr Issaka regained consciousness upon arrival at the hospital and told them that military personnel had beaten him.

Mr Ananga said he later left the hospital, and at 4:30am, he received a telephone call from the lecturer’s wife informing him of his demise.

The family said the circumstances surrounding Mr Issaka’s death were deeply disturbing.

It maintained that even where a citizen is arrested during the enforcement of a lawful curfew, the State has a fundamental obligation to ensure the person’s safety and humane treatment, while in custody or under the control of security personnel.

“Arrest and detention cannot be a licence for brutality,” the family said.

Family’s Demands

The Sakpari family is calling on the government to order an immediate, independent, transparent and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to Mr Issaka’s death.

The family is demanding that all military personnel involved in his arrest, detention, treatment and transportation be identified and, where wrongdoing is established, dealt with in accordance with the law.

It is also calling for an independent forensic and medical examination into the circumstances and cause of death, as well as the preservation and disclosure of all relevant information and medical evidence.

The family further wants all other relevant information concerning the incident to be made available to it.

It is also demanding protection for witnesses and family members who may provide evidence concerning the incident, and accountability for any individual found to have used unlawful or excessive force, regardless of rank or institutional affiliation.

The family is additionally calling for a broader investigation into allegations of abuses arising from security operations in Bawku, particularly where evidence may suggest a pattern rather than an isolated incident.

It wants regular and transparent communication with the family regarding the progress and findings of the investigation.

Appeal to State Institutions

The Binduri Naba, the Sakpari family and community members are appealing to all relevant stakeholders and state institutions, including the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), to take an active interest in the matter.

They are calling on the relevant institutions to ensure that the circumstances surrounding Mr Issaka’s death are thoroughly investigated and that appropriate action is taken based on the findings.

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