Three students of Nkwanta Senior High School (SHS) in the Oti Region have tragically lost their lives following renewed ethnic clashes in the Nkwanta township, deepening concerns over the safety of civilians, especially students, amid the ongoing unrest.

The violent incidents, which occurred on Thursday, June 26, and Friday, June 27, claimed the lives of two female day students and a male boarding student.

The two girls, in Forms Two and Three of the General Arts programme, were reportedly caught in crossfire while returning home from school on Thursday.

The third victim, a Form Three Business student, was fatally struck by a stray bullet the next day while on campus.

Confirming the incident in an interview with Class News, Mr. Jonathan Korsina, the Nkwanta Municipal Education Director, expressed deep sorrow over the loss and described the situation as a devastating blow to the education sector in the municipality.

“This is a very painful time for us. These were young, promising students whose lives were cut short through no fault of their own,” Mr. Korsina said.

The Ghana Education Service (GES) is said to be working with local authorities to assess the situation and determine the appropriate steps to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Security has since been heightened around educational institutions in the area.