Northern REGSEC beef up security over Andanis, Abudus threats

The Northern Regional Security Council has intensified security presence in Yendi and at the Gbewaa Palaces to avert a possible clash between the rival Abudu and Andani factions.

The decision comes after members of the Andani Royal family served notice that they will confront any violence by their rival Abudu faction.

The two families have been involved in a chieftaincy feud in Dagbon in the region for ages.

The King of Dagombas and the overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani II was killed on March 27, 2002 when clashes broke out between the two feuding Gates of Dagbon Kingship, the Andanis and the Abudus.

The Abudu family last week issued an ultimatum to government and the Committee of Eminent Chiefs mediating the dispute to allow them to bury their late chief, Naa Mahamadu Abdulai at the palace next week.

The faction warned it would explore all means to occupy the Gbewaa palace to perform the funeral rites of their late chief, if the Andanis fail to give them access to the palace.

They gave government and a Committee of Eminent Chiefs a deadline of January 26th to come clear on the issue.

But addressing a News Conference in Tamale Saturday, January 23, the Andani family threatened to face the Abudus squarely, if they tried any violent confrontation.

They vowed to protect themselves from any attack from the Abudu Royal family if they show up at the palace.

But speaking to Joy News, the Northern regional Minister Alhaji Mohammed Muniru said the leaders of the Abudus have denied organizing a press conference. He said they promised to issue a rejoinder to that effect.

Alhaji Mohammed Muniru said the Regional Security Council is not taking the new development lightly. He said the council is ready for any clashes that may arise.

“We are in readiness to make sure that nobody disturbs the peace of the area,” he stated.

The Minister added that the Regional Security Council is also trying to get in touch with the Chairman of the Committee of Eminent Chiefs, Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to come out with a new date for the burial of the late chief of the Abudus.