The Wa Municipality has been gripped by fear and outrage following the gruesome killing of a night security guard at the Dobile Electoral Area.
The victim, identified as Yahya Issa, popularly known as Soja, was discovered dead in the early hours of Saturday, September 20, 2025.
Municipal Chief Executive, Issah Nura Danwana, confirmed the incident, explaining that he was alerted by National Security officials and immediately visited the scene.
He described the murder as “deeply disturbing” and acknowledged that residents have long raised concerns about rising insecurity in parts of the municipality.
“Street lighting remains one of our biggest challenges. So far, 378 lights have been installed and 166 repaired, yet we still have a deficit of about 400. We are engaging the Ministry of Energy to address this gap. While several dark spots have been lit in recent weeks, more still needs to be done,” the MCE said.
He further noted that the killing occurred just about 400 meters from a police station and close to the new market — a proximity that heightens concerns about security lapses.
Assembly Member for the Dobile Electoral Area, Zakaria Ibrahim, who also visited the scene, confirmed that the deceased worked as a night watchman at the Wa Regional Market.
“When we arrived, a knife was found placed on his chest. His face had been brutally smashed, with blood streaming from his forehead. From initial indications, the attackers may have used a block to strike his head,” he explained.
Ibrahim described the incident as “shocking” and recalled that the municipality has witnessed similar violent attacks in recent years. Unlike earlier cases, however, no body parts were taken from the victim.
Police have since transported the body to the Upper West Regional Hospital mortuary for autopsy and further investigations.
The killing rekindles fears of a resurgence of violent attacks on night watchmen in Wa. In 2022, a wave of similar murders sparked widespread alarm and prompted intensified police patrols.
Residents are now urging authorities to step up security measures to prevent a repeat of such chilling crimes.
