Farmer Arrested After Suspected Yam Thief Is Shot Dead in Oti Region

A suspected yam thief has been shot dead at Abongo No. 1 in the Krachi East Municipality of the Oti Region after allegedly attempting to steal yams from a local farm.

The incident reportedly occurred around midnight on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

According to preliminary information, the deceased was allegedly caught on a farmer’s land while attempting to steal a sack of yams. The farmer is alleged to have opened fire during the incident, fatally wounding the suspect.

Following the shooting, the farmer, identified by community sources as 35-year-old Kwabena Badam, voluntarily reported himself to the Dambai Divisional Police Command. He was immediately taken into custody and is currently assisting investigators with inquiries into the incident.

Residents say the farmer had previously raised concerns about persistent theft of food crops from his farm. According to sources, he had reported several incidents of crop theft to the police, expressing frustration over the repeated losses before the fatal shooting occurred.

The Assembly Member for the Kwame-Akura East Electoral Area, Hon. Philip Kwadwo Bidaba, confirmed that he received a telephone call in the early hours of Saturday informing him that a suspected yam thief had been shot dead in the community.

Speaking about the incident, Hon. Bidaba said he immediately travelled to the Dambai Police Station, where police officers informed him that the alleged shooter had already surrendered and was in custody.

He further disclosed that after news of the incident spread, several residents gathered at the police station in an attempt to identify the deceased. According to him, he appealed to the police to allow the body bag to be opened so that community members could assist in identifying the deceased. However, the police declined the request, explaining that the body would remain sealed pending the necessary investigative procedures.

The body was later transported by police officers to the Worawora Government Hospital Mortuary in the Biakoye District for preservation and an autopsy. The Assembly Member and relatives of the arrested farmer accompanied the police during the transfer.

Police have not officially released the identity of the deceased, as formal identification is yet to be completed. Likewise, authorities have not officially confirmed the identity of the farmer, despite his name circulating within the community, as investigations remain ongoing.

The Dambai Divisional Police Command has launched a full investigation to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities are expected to interview witnesses, gather evidence, and determine whether any criminal charges will be filed.

The incident has sparked discussions among residents over the growing challenge of farm produce theft in the area and the measures farmers take to protect their livelihoods.

Police have urged the public to remain calm and allow the investigative process to take its course. More details are expected to emerge as investigations continue.