The death toll from the bus attack in Walewale in the North East Region has risen to seven, following the deaths of four more victims who sustained severe injuries during the assault on Friday, February 14.
Among the deceased are one Burkinabe and three Togolese nationals who were shot by the attackers. One victim was burned beyond recognition but was later identified on Saturday, February 15.
The ill-fated bus, registered GR 7501-21, departed from the ADT station at Pulukoom in the Pusiga District but broke down near Loagri, close to a police barrier. The driver left for Tamale in search of a mechanic, leaving the bus under the watch of the police, the mate, and passengers.
Eyewitnesses recounted how gunmen stormed the scene, opened fire on passengers and police officers, and set the bus ablaze. Amid the chaos, passengers fled for safety, but several were shot.
Initially, three people, including a toddler, were found burned to death. On Saturday morning, another charred body was discovered, bringing the toll to four. Later that day, one of the injured victims at Walewale Hospital succumbed to injuries.
By Sunday, February 16, two more victims who had been transferred to the Tamale Teaching Hospital also passed away, raising the total number of fatalities to seven.