Residents of Kabafa near Tamale, 753km north of the capital Accra, were thrown into shock and grief when unknown gunmen shot one person dead and injured 16 others Saturday night, local media has reported.

The victims were among a group of people watching the UEFA Champions League Final late Saturday.

Reports said the gunmen entered the community in the midst of a power outage and began shooting.

According to eyewitnesses, there was sporadic gun fire which injured six children, eight females and two males.

The victims were watching the football match in front of the old chief's palace when the shooting occurred.

Although it is unclear yet what may have triggered the incident, some residents said it might be linked to a protracted chieftaincy feud between the Kafarba and kalampor communities living in the area.

Some of them speculated that the gunmen had been sent to kidnap Kafabarwura Yahaya, who has been holding himself as a chief (traditional leader) of the area.

Some of the victims who were in critical conditions have been transferred from the Salaga Government Hospital to the Northern Regional Hospital.

Police said they are investigating the shooting.

Source: XINHUA