A violent land dispute in Gbiniyiri, a farming community in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of the Savannah Region, has claimed six lives and left 18 others injured, forcing residents to flee and leaving widespread destruction in its wake.
According to reports, five people were killed on Sunday, August 24, while another person was shot dead the following morning, Monday, August 25, as the clashes escalated. The number of injured victims, which initially stood at six, has since risen to 18, with several said to be in critical condition.
The violence reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over a parcel of land, sparking chaos that displaced many residents, particularly women and children who sought refuge in nearby communities. Several homes and properties were also destroyed during the disturbances.
Confirming the incident, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, Mr. Sinkina Saaka, said the conflict was triggered after the community chief sold a piece of land to a private developer.
Mr. Saaka condemned the attacks and appealed for calm, urging all parties to lay down their weapons and embrace dialogue as the only way to resolve the dispute and prevent further bloodshed.
