Violent land dispute leaves 6 Dead, 18 injured in Gbiniyiri

At least six people have been killed and 18 others injured in a violent land dispute in Gbiniyiri, Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District, leaving many women and children displaced.

The incident began last Sunday after a disagreement over a parcel of land sold by the community chief to a private developer. Five people were reportedly killed during the initial clash, with another person shot dead on Monday. Twelve more sustained various injuries, some critical.

According to Graphic Online, District Chief Executive Sinkina Saaka confirmed the violence.

“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.” He explained.

In response, military and police personnel have been deployed, but access to affected areas remains challenging due to scattered settlements. The District Security Council is working with regional security agencies to intensify patrols and prevent further escalation.

Mr. Saaka appealed to the feuding parties to abandon violence and resolve the dispute through dialogue. Traditional and opinion leaders are also being engaged to mediate and calm tensions in the community.

By Joyce Kpeglo