Residents of Akyem Bontodiase in the Akyemansa District of the Eastern Region woke up to a violent attack and the unlawful seizure of their dried cocoa beans by a group of unidentified men believed to be land guards brought in from the Greater Accra Region.

Victims of the attack recounted how heavily built, armed men stormed their homes, physically assaulted them, and made off with their cocoa beans without offering any explanation.

Many residents suspect that the attack is linked to an ongoing chieftaincy dispute in the town, which is home to less than 20,000 people and currently has two rival chiefs.

The residents in an interview on Accra 100.5 FM's mid-day news on Wednesday, October 9 alleged that the hoodlums were deployed as part of the conflict between the two factions vying for leadership in Akyem Bontodiase.

Despite reporting the incident to the Ofoase police, no officers have visited the community to investigate. Frustrated by the lack of police response, the residents are calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to intervene and bring the perpetrators to justice.

One of the two chiefs, Nana Obeng Akari Asiedu, has accused his rival, Obrempong Adarkwah Gyamena II, of orchestrating the attack.

He called on the police and the paramount chief of the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Area to ensure that the laws were enforced.

In response, Obrempong Adarkwah Gyamena II has denied any involvement in the incident, attributing the allegations to animosity from the opposing faction.

The situation remains tense as the community grapples with the effects of the attack, while the chieftaincy dispute continues to fuel divisions in the small town.

Residents are hoping for a swift resolution to the conflict and the restoration of peace.