The Minister for the Interior, Mr. Muntaka Mubarak-Mohammed, has appealed to residents of Nkwanta and its surrounding communities in the Oti Region to embrace dialogue and reconciliation as the government works to restore lasting peace in the area.
His call came as the curfew on the township, first imposed in January 2025 after deadly clashes, was renewed on Thursday, September 4, following advice from the Oti Regional Security Council (REGSEC). The current curfew runs daily from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
While stressing that the measure is necessary to protect lives and prevent further violence, the Minister urged traditional authorities, opinion leaders, and youth groups to commit to peaceful conflict resolution.
“The government remains committed to restoring peace, but sustainable stability can only be achieved if communities themselves take the lead in ending hostilities,” Mr. Mubarak-Mohammed said.
He also emphasized that a ban on arms and offensive weapons remains in force and that violators will be prosecuted. Security forces, including a joint military-police deployment, are maintaining a presence to safeguard residents and deter further violence.
The clashes in Nkwanta, which reignited in January and have roots in a long-standing dispute involving the Akyode, Adele, and Challa ethnic groups, have claimed lives and displaced many families. Though the town is currently calm, tension remains palpable.
Community leaders have been encouraged to intensify peace talks, while the Interior Ministry and security agencies continue to provide support.
