Wa, Upper West Region – The Wa Municipality has been thrown into shock following the gruesome killing of a night security guard at the Dobile Electoral Area in the early hours of Saturday, September 20, 2025.
The victim, identified as Yahya Issa, popularly known as Soja, was found lifeless under disturbing circumstances, sparking renewed fears about safety in the municipality.
Disturbing Discovery
According to eyewitness accounts, the 40-year-old watchman was attacked while on duty at the Wa Regional Market. Assembly Member for the area, Zakaria Ibrahim, who visited the scene, revealed that the victim’s face was badly smashed, with blood oozing from his forehead.
“Before we arrived, a knife was found lying on his chest. From what we gathered, the attackers may have used a block to hit his head,” he told reporters, describing the incident as “shocking and barbaric.”
Security Concerns Resurface
Confirming the incident, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Issah Nura Danwana described the killing as deeply troubling. He acknowledged that residents had consistently raised security concerns, particularly regarding poor street lighting in parts of Wa.
“Street lights remain a major issue. We have worked on 378 lights and repaired 166, but there is still a deficit of about 400. We are following up with the Ministry of Energy to ensure more lights are fixed. Many dark spots have been lit in recent weeks, but more needs to be done,” the MCE noted.
However, he pointed out that the crime scene was only about 400 meters from a police station and close to the new market — raising deeper questions about security lapses in the municipality.
Historical Pattern of Attacks
This latest killing has rekindled fears of a possible resurgence of violent crimes in Wa. In 2022, the municipality was rocked by a string of brutal murders targeting night security guards, triggering widespread fear and increased police operations.
Unlike those previous incidents, where some victims were mutilated and body parts taken, no such evidence was found in this case. Still, residents fear that the pattern of violence may be returning.
Police Action and Ongoing Investigations
Police have since conveyed Issa’s body to the Upper West Regional Hospital mortuary for autopsy as investigations continue. Authorities have yet to make any arrests.
Residents are calling on security agencies to intensify patrols and improve surveillance, warning that Wa could once again become a hotspot for violent crime if urgent measures are not taken.
Source – My News Ghana
