A month after the tragic murder of a student during an altercation near a football field, law enforcement in Séguéla has arrested the main perpetrator of the attack, along with several accomplices. This tragedy has reignited concerns about youth violence in the city.

The spark and the tragedy

The events date back to Friday, October 17, 2025. Students from a private school were in the middle of a physical education session. A simple game of soccer turned into a nightmare when a stray ball sent a student flying off the field.

During his search, the student came across a group of young bystanders who suddenly accosted him. An argument broke out. CY, a 21-year-old student in his first year of high school , bravely tried to intervene to calm the situation, which was escalating.

It was in this confusion that a young man, later identified by the nickname "Popotier la 20," pulled out a knife. He fatally stabbed CY in the abdomen. Despite being rushed to the Regional Hospital Center (CHR) of Séguéla, the victim succumbed to his injuries.

According to the initial findings of the investigation, this fight was not a random occurrence, but was linked to an old conflict between the two groups of young people, transforming a trivial dispute into an act of murder.

Targeted manhunt and arrests

Upon the announcement of the death, the Séguéla police station, assisted by the Gendarmerie, launched an investigation and intensive patrols, notably combing the Traoré and Diomandé districts.

A month and a half of meticulous investigations led by the Police Commissioner finally paid off. On November 29, 2025 , a reliable source reported the presence of the main suspect, DA, 18 years old, alias "Popotier la 20" , a trainee driver, in the Diomandé 2 neighborhood.

The police quickly intervened. After a brief chase, the individual was apprehended. Confronted with the facts, he confessed to his crime and gave the names of his accomplices.

1. On the same day , a targeted operation led to the arrest of four other young people involved .
2. Those arrested are mainly students aged 15 to 17 , with the exception of another apprentice driver, KA known as Ablo .

Law enforcement officials indicated that the search continues in order to find the last remaining youths still on the run.

A city challenged

In Séguéla, emotions remain high. The population, deeply shocked by the brutality of the act, wanted to commend the rigor and perseverance of the security forces in this manhunt.

This tragedy unfortunately confirms the worrying rise in violence and fights that are breaking out more and more frequently between teenagers for often insignificant reasons, but whose consequences are dramatic.