A traditional leader, Abdul-Malik Azenbe, known as the Kusasi Chief of the Ashanti Region and Chief of the Kadi Divisional Area in Binduri, has been shot and killed by unknown gunmen in a brazen attack on Tuesday night.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:40 pm near the F-line Community Centre in Asawase, a suburb of Kumasi. Eyewitnesses say two men arrived on a motorbike, with one dismounting and opening fire with an AK-47 rifle before speeding off.
Azenbe, who was enskinned just three months ago as the Kadi Naaba, was rushed to the Manhyia District Hospital and later transferred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The motive for the killing remains unclear, but the violent nature of the attack has left residents shaken and sparked concerns over the safety of traditional leaders in the region.
Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, visited the grieving family shortly after the incident and assured them of a thorough investigation.
“We are treating this as a matter of urgency,” he said. “No stone will be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice.”
Security has been tightened in the Asawase area as investigators begin their work. Community leaders and residents have called for calm and cooperation with the police, urging anyone with information to come forward.
The killing of Azenbe marks a chilling escalation in violence involving traditional authorities, and his death is being widely mourned across the Kusasi and Zongo communities.
