Tensions ran high in Adaklu Waya last week, as the community was on the brink of taking the law into their own hands. Information available to The Chronicle reveals that the brutal murder of 32-year old Wonder Deku, an okada rider, sparked outrage and calls for revenge against Fulani settlers.
According to a reliable source from Adaklu Waya, the district capital, the incident occurred on June 12, 2025 when Wonder Deku, a popular rider was engaged by two individuals of Fulani extraction to carry them from Waya to Atanvi, a village behind Ziope, near the Ghana and Togo border.
When he failed to return, a search was mounted and his lifeless body was later discovered at the village.
His belongings (motorbike, mobile phone, money, etc) were intact, leaving many questions unanswered.
As the community prepared to avenge Deku’s death, which was set for the approaching ‘Animal Market’ on Thursday, the local District Security Council (DISEC) picked up intelligence and decided to intervene.
At an emergency meeting on Monday, June 16, 2025 it was agreed to suspend the pending ‘Animal Market’ day on Thursday June 19, 2025 to pave the way for the authorities to handle the matter amicably.
However, a powerful opinion leader overruled the decision, insisting the market serves the entire community.
On the said day Police reinforcement from the Volta Regional Command was deployed to maintain peace.
Despite their presence, the community members, armed with offensive weapons, stormed the market injuring a number of the cattle on sale. The Fulani settlers, sensing danger, fled leaving their animals behind.
The source continued that thanks to swift police action, a potential bloodbath was averted.
Another source close to DISEC, who preferred anonymity, intimated that the situation remains volatile, with the community set to observe the one-week anniversary of Deku’s death.
Not only that, but also the period coinciding with the funeral of a sub-chief of the traditional area rendered the situation unpredictable.
He concluded by stating that the police, having weathered the initial storm, positioned a strong presence so as to ensure peace.
