Fear and panic gripped residents of Garu in the Upper East Region on Monday morning when gunmen launched a deadly daylight attack that claimed four lives and left several others injured.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. near the Garu District Office of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). Eyewitnesses said four armed men on two motorbikes stormed the NHIA premises and began shooting indiscriminately. Two of the attackers reportedly wore smocks and helmets, while the others had their faces covered.
Two people were killed instantly—one inside the NHIA office, believed to be a staff member, and another outside the premises. The gunmen then continued firing as they moved toward a nearby public school, where they shot dead the headteacher of Garu D.A. Primary School, who was among those fleeing with pupils.
The attackers also shot and killed a local chief who was reportedly heading to the market. They later seized a motorbike from one of their victims before escaping through the Garu Presbyterian Hospital area toward the Kugri/Songo road.
Security has since been tightened in the town, with police and military personnel deployed to patrol key areas, including the NHIA office and the hospital.
“The whole town is in shock. People are terrified, and we are appealing to the security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice,” said Edward Ndebugri, Assembly Member for Kugri.
Hospital officials have confirmed four deaths, while several others are receiving treatment for gunshot wounds. Residents have called for calm and urged authorities to intensify investigations and enhance security in the area.
