By: Yussif Abdul Wali ( Social Reform Advocate)
A passionate appeal for justice, restraint, and community unity echoed through Damongo this week as social reform advocate Yussif Abdul Wali condemned the growing trend of vigilante attacks linked to livestock theft in the Savannah Region.
In a strongly worded statement titled “My Take on Vigilantism and Livestock Theft in Damongo,” Mr. Wali decried both the rampant stealing of animals and the brutal mob actions that have tragically claimed lives in the name of retribution.
“Livestock theft not only robs families of their hard-earned livelihoods but also erodes the very fabric of trust that binds us together,” he stated. “While we must stand united against this crime, we must never resort to taking the law into our own hands.”
Recent incidents in Damongo have raised alarm after reports surfaced of violent retaliations against suspected livestock thieves, leading to loss of young lives. Mr. Wali called such acts “barbaric and senseless,” stressing that mob violence has never solved the problem.
“Several years ago, we mourned the loss of more than two souls to mob murders over similar incidents of goat theft. Did such acts end the stealing? Absolutely not,” he emphasized. “Why do we continue this perilous path when the lawful route is clear—hand suspects over to the police for due process?”
Mr. Wali applauded the Paramount Chief of Damongo, Damongowura Boresah Kelly Seidu I, for his bold leadership in tackling livestock theft through lawful means. On September 18, 2025, the chief imposed a temporary ban on the sale of kebab (chinchinga) within the Damongo township to curb the trade of stolen animals.
The directive, which mandates that all animals be slaughtered exclusively at the West Gonja Municipal Assembly’s abattoir, has been widely lauded as a strategic move to dismantle illegal meat markets.
Mr. Wali also praised the Savannah Regional Police Command for its ongoing investigations into organized theft syndicates, describing their approach as proof that “structured, legal interventions are yielding results without the need for mob retribution.”
Urging unity and civic responsibility, the reformer called on residents to:
• Report suspicions to the police or traditional leaders.
• Revive community watchdog committees for peaceful monitoring.
• Support education and job creation to prevent youth involvement in crime.
“Together, we can protect our herds, our people, and our peace — not through vengeance, but through justice,” Mr. Wali declared. “Let us choose life over loss. Everyone deserves to live.”
He concluded with a strong reminder that peace and justice are the only sustainable paths.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Yussif Wali
