A tragic armed robbery attack on a Metro Mass Transit bus travelling from Bunkpurugu to Tamale has left one person dead and three others injured in the early hours of Thursday, October 10, 2025. The incident occurred around 2:27 a.m. on the Duuklotuk–Nakpanduri stretch of the Bunkpurugu–Nalerigu highway in the North East Region.
According to reliable information gathered by JoyNews’ Eliasu Tanko, the bus, which was carrying several passengers, came under attack when a group of armed men emerged from the darkness and attempted to stop it by flashing torchlights onto the road. The driver, sensing imminent danger, refused to halt. In response, the attackers opened fire on the vehicle, striking it multiple times as terrified passengers screamed and ducked for cover.
One male passenger was reportedly hit by a bullet and died instantly, while three others sustained gunshot injuries. The victims were immediately rushed to the Faith Community Hospital in Nakpanduri for emergency treatment. Hospital officials later confirmed one fatality, while the injured passengers were said to be in stable condition and responding to medical care. The deceased has since been deposited at the hospital’s morgue for identification and autopsy.
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of fear and confusion as bullets pierced through the bus. Some passengers threw themselves to the floor while others shielded their heads with their hands. “They stood on the road flashing torchlights to stop the bus, but when the driver didn’t stop, they began shooting at us. Everyone screamed and laid on the floor praying for safety,” one survivor narrated in a shaky voice.
The attackers fled into the nearby bushes after the assault, and no items were reported stolen, leading authorities to suspect a deliberate act of terror or intimidation rather than a robbery for valuables. Police in Nakpanduri have since launched a manhunt for the suspects. A special team of investigators and armed personnel has been dispatched to the area to secure the highway and gather intelligence.
A senior police officer in the North East Region confirmed the attack and assured the public that security operations have been intensified along the Bunkpurugu–Nalerigu road. “We have increased patrols in the area and are following credible leads. The safety of commuters remains our top priority,” he said.
The incident has sparked fear and anxiety among commuters who frequently travel between Bunkpurugu and Tamale, a route that many describe as isolated and poorly lit. Some residents have appealed to the government and the Ghana Police Service to establish permanent checkpoints along the stretch to deter future attacks.
Travellers have also urged Metro Mass Transit Limited to reconsider early-morning departure times, which often expose buses to ambushes in remote sections of the highway. Others called for better collaboration between transport operators, local communities, and security agencies to ensure safer travel conditions.
The attack near Nakpanduri adds to growing concerns about rising insecurity and sporadic highway robberies in northern Ghana. Local authorities are calling for sustained security interventions, improved road patrols, and intelligence-led operations to restore confidence among road users.
As investigations continue, families of the victims are demanding swift justice and stronger government commitment to protecting lives and property on Ghana’s highways
