Three people have been killed and 34 suspects arrested following a shooting incident linked to an ongoing chieftaincy dispute in Funsi in the Wa East District of the Upper West Region.

The incident occurred on the night of Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Gbelonosi section of the community, according to a statement issued by the Upper West Regional Police Command.

Police said officers responded after receiving reports that two people had been shot dead in the area. Upon arriving at the scene, they found the bodies of 37-year-old Fufulu Nandug and 22-year-old Yussif Samahan.

The statement added that during subsequent operations and investigations, a third victim, identified as 20-year-old Amadu Lukman, was also found dead in the community.

The Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, led a reinforcement team to Funsi to support investigations and help maintain law and order amid heightened tensions over the chieftaincy conflict.

Police said 34 suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the violence.

Security personnel also retrieved several items, including a shotgun, bow and arrows, gunpowder, spent cartridges, talisman-embedded smocks, and a medallion believed to be linked to the tensions between rival gates in the community.

All the suspects and retrieved exhibits have been transported to Wa to assist with ongoing investigations.

The Police Administration expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured the public that all persons responsible for the violence would be brought to justice.

Meanwhile, Regional Police Command has appealed to residents and stakeholders to remain calm, avoid reprisals, and cooperate with investigators by volunteering credible information.

Police added that intensified patrols and additional security measures have been deployed in the area to maintain peace and security.