The land dispute in Gbiniyiri, a farming community in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of the Savannah Region, has left six people dead and 18 others injured in a wave of violence that has displaced residents and destroyed property.
Five people were killed in the early hours of Sunday, August 24, with another victim shot dead on the Morning of Monday, August 25, as the clashes continued. The number of injured persons, which initially stood at six, has since risen to 18, with several in critical condition.
The violence is said to have erupted over a disputed parcel of land, sparking unrest that forced many, especially women and children, to flee the community for safety. Homes and other properties were also destroyed in the disturbances.
Confirming the incident, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, Mr. Sinkina Saaka, explained that the conflict began after the community chief sold a piece of land to a private developer.
When the developer later attempted to work on the land, some community members resisted, leading to tension.
“It all started when the chief sold a piece of land to the developer some years ago. When the developer came to work on the land, the community members prevented him. The chief and his son later visited the community to ascertain the situation and were physically attacked,” Mr. Saaka recounted.
In response, a joint team of military and police personnel was deployed to the community. However, the DCE noted that tensions remain high, with reports of perpetrators extending attacks to nearby settlements. He said the scattered nature of the communities makes it difficult for security forces to reach all affected areas swiftly.
Mr. Saaka added that the District Security Council (DISEC) is working with the regional security command to intensify patrols and restore calm. Traditional and opinion leaders, he noted, are also being engaged to encourage dialogue between the feuding sides.
Appealing for restraint, the DCE urged all parties to lay down their weapons and embrace peaceful dialogue in order to resolve the dispute and prevent further bloodshed.
