Fatal Cutlass Attack at Twifo Denyase Church: One Dead, Suspect Lynched

Introduction

A tragic incident of violent crime has shaken the community of Twifo Denyase Camp in Ghana’s Central Region. On the morning of Tuesday, February 10, 2026, a 62-year-old woman was killed in a brutal cutlass attack on the premises of a local church. Her daughter survived but sustained critical injuries. The alleged attacker, identified as a 30-year-old male co-tenant, was subsequently lynched by an angry mob before police could secure the scene. This event highlights ongoing concerns about community safety, mob justice, and violence in residential areas, even on what are traditionally considered sanctuary grounds like church properties.

Key Points

Background: The Community and the Incident

Geographic and Social Context

The Twifo Atti-Morkwa District is located in Ghana’s Central Region. Twifo Denyase Camp is a community within this district. The incident occurred in a residential compound situated adjacent to property belonging to the Apostolic Church, Ghana, a well-known Pentecostal denomination in the country. The proximity of residential buildings to church structures is common in many Ghanaian communities, where church grounds often serve as communal spaces.

The Morning of the Attack

On February 10, 2026, at approximately 8:00 a.m., a domestic dispute escalated into extreme violence. According to preliminary police investigations and eyewitness accounts, the suspect, Hormeku Agbemor, began exhibiting bizarre and verbally aggressive behavior towards his co-tenants, Baby Abienor and her daughter Gladys. Sensing imminent danger, Baby Abienor reportedly fled the house to seek help from an elder responsible for the nearby church.

Detailed Analysis of the Event

The Assault and Its Aftermath

While Baby Abienor was away seeking assistance, the situation turned fatal. Agbemor allegedly launched an unprovoked assault with a cutlass (a large, heavy knife or short sword commonly used as a tool and weapon). He inflicted multiple deep wounds on both women. Baby Abienor died at the scene from her injuries. Her daughter Gladys sustained critical wounds, primarily to her neck and left arm (based on the mother’s injuries), and was first taken to a local Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound before being referred to the more equipped St. Francis Xavier Hospital in Assin Fosu due to the severity of her condition.

The Church Elder’s Discovery

The church elder, whom Baby Abienor had gone to consult, arrived at the compound shortly after the attack. The elder found Baby Abienor’s lifeless body lying face down in a pool of blood near a wooden church building. The suspect, Hormeku Agbemor, was reportedly standing nearby, still in possession of the cutlass, and was said to have been pleading for forgiveness while allegedly confessing to the killing. This detail, provided by police, suggests a moment of realization or remorse by the suspect immediately after the act.

Mob Intervention and Lynching

The church elder alerted other assembly members and residents. By the time the Twifo Praso District Police Command, notified by the elder and other citizens, arrived at the scene, the suspect had been apprehended by the mob. He was found dead about 15 meters from the main scene, his hands and legs bound with rope, with blood stains on his face. The Central North Regional Crime Officer, Chief Superintendent Edmund Agyemang Badu, confirmed to Graphic Online that the suspect was suspected to have been lynched by angry residents following the violent assault. This act of vigilante violence, while sometimes occurring in Ghana in response to heinous crimes, is illegal and complicates the legal process for achieving full justice.

Police Investigation and Legal Process

Police secured the scene, which included the wooden church structure and two adjacent rooms. The body of Baby Abienor showed deep, recent wounds on her neck and left arm, consistent with a cutlass attack. Both bodies—the murder victim and the lynched suspect—were conveyed to the Twifo Atti-Morkwa Hospital mortuary for preservation and post-mortem examinations. The Ghana Police Service has initiated a full investigation into the double fatality. The case involves multiple potential legal dimensions: the suspect’s original act of murder and attempted murder, and the separate criminal act of his lynching by individuals who may face charges for murder or manslaughter themselves. The surviving victim, Gladys, is a key witness.

Practical Advice and Community Safety Considerations

For Residents in Communal Living Situations

This tragedy underscores the importance of security in shared residential compounds. Neighbors and co-tenants should establish clear communication protocols for reporting suspicious or threatening behavior. Early warning signs, such as the “bizarre behaviour” described, should be reported to compound elders, local assembly members, and the police immediately, rather than confronting an individual who may be armed or emotionally unstable.

On Church and Sanctuary Premises

While churches are often seen as sanctuaries, this incident proves that no location is immune to domestic violence spilling over. Church leadership in communities should have clear safety and emergency response plans. This includes training ushers and members on how to respond to violent incidents, having protocols for securing the premises during disturbances, and establishing direct contact with local police commands for rapid reporting.

Combating Mob Justice

The lynching of the suspect, regardless of the community’s outrage, is a serious crime that undermines the rule of law. Communities must be educated on the importance of allowing police and judicial processes to determine guilt and assign punishment. Vigilantism often leads to wrongful deaths, escalation of violence, and the loss of crucial evidence and testimony needed for a fair trial. Citizens are urged to always report crimes to the police (dial 112 in Ghana) and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the motive for the initial attack?

As of the latest police statements, a clear motive for Hormeku Agbemor’s alleged unprovoked attack has not been publicly disclosed. Investigations are ongoing to determine if there were underlying disputes, mental health issues, or other factors that triggered the violence.

Is the surviving victim, Gladys, out of danger?

Gladys was reported to be in critical condition after being referred to St. Francis Xavier Hospital. Her current medical status has not been updated in the latest reports. The family and community are likely awaiting further news on her recovery.

Will the people who lynched the suspect be arrested?

Yes. Lynching is a criminal offense under Ghanaian law. The police investigation into the incident includes the death of the suspect. Chief Superintendent Agyemang Badu indicated that investigations are ongoing, which would logically encompass identifying and arresting the individuals responsible for the lynching to face charges.

What should someone do if they witness a violent attack like this?

The primary action is to ensure your own safety first. Do not intervene physically if the attacker is armed. Immediately call the police emergency number (112 in Ghana) and provide a precise location and description of the incident and suspects. Alert nearby authorities, such as assembly members, chiefs, or church leaders, who can help secure the scene until police arrive. Do not touch the victim or the scene to preserve evidence.

Conclusion

The Twifo Denyase church killing is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of interpersonal violence and the dangers of mob mentality. It resulted in the loss of an elderly woman’s life, left her daughter fighting for hers, and ended with the alleged perpetrator also dead outside of legal due process. The Ghana Police Service now faces the complex task of investigating a crime scene that includes two fatalities, one from murder and one from lynching. For the community of Twifo Denyase Camp, the path forward requires healing, cooperation with authorities, and a recommitment to upholding the law rather than succumbing to vigilante justice. The case also prompts broader national conversation on community safety, mental health awareness, and the security of places of worship.