A joyful Eid ul-Fitr celebration at Kasoa in the Central Region turned chaotic when two rival youth groups from Walantu and Odupongkpehe Zongo clashed during a street carnival.
The violence erupted despite a previous feud between the groups seemingly being resolved through community leaders’ intervention during the fasting period.
According to eyewitnesses, the groups had been at odds before the celebration, but the festive atmosphere and presence of community leaders had calmed tensions.
However, the rivalry resurfaced during the carnival, resulting in a violent confrontation that left three people injured, with one in critical condition.
A relative of one of the critically wounded victims, Mohammed Ousman, told 3News that the violence was unexpected, given the efforts of community leaders to resolve the feud.
“The fasting period prevented them from engaging in a fight, and the intervention of community leaders also seemed to have put the matter to rest,” Ousman said.
One of the injured victims, a female, recounted her experience, saying, “I was having fun with my friends when the violence suddenly erupted. I felt a sharp cut on my hand.”
The victim’s account highlights the sudden and unexpected nature of the violence.
Police swiftly responded to the clash, arresting one person who is currently detained and assisting in investigations at the CBD police station in Kasoa.
A hammer and other dangerous implements were also retrieved by the police.
Sources within the police revealed that members of the rival youth groups carried various weapons, including sharpened machetes, to the carnival.
The police are working to apprehend other suspects linked to the street fight.
