The cries of wailing mothers filled the ambiance at Bortiano in the Ga South Municipality today.

One of them had two of her sons among the five killed in an operation conducted by the police on June 8, 2023, in the area.

In a statement, the police explained that they suspected the group to be landguards and that they engaged in a shootout with the police when they visited the area.

The police service claimed that these individuals had been terrorising residents and landowners in Bortianor and nearby communities.

A month later, some residents and families are still grieving their loss.

The families held a press conference over the incident where they discussed ways to seek justice as they claim their deceased relatives were not involved in any illegality.

The townsfolk gathered clad in red and black attire and chanted war songs in protest against the police’s action.

Some bereaved relatives cried in their seats while this lady in question rolled on the floor in tears and pain.

The mother later walked into a nearby waterway barechested with a bottle of alcohol in hand and some eggs.

She invoked curses on her sons’ killers, poured out the beverage and smashed the eggs on the ground.

What happened?

The Police confirmed the killing of suspects during a shootout at Bortianor in Greater Accra on June 8, 2023.

According to a police statement, the operation was conducted to target criminal elements involved in robbery and land guard activities.

These individuals, the service said, had been causing fear and distress among residents and landowners in Bortianor and nearby communities.

The police say as their team approached, the suspects opened fire from their hideout, leading to a retaliatory response from the police.

Five of the suspects were injured and later pronounced dead at the hospital, while the remaining suspects managed to escape and are currently evading arrest, as per the police.

The police reported the seizure of various weapons, including guns and ammunition, as evidence from the suspects.

They are actively pursuing the remaining suspects, including those who sustained injuries during the shootout.