Land dispute in Gbiniyiri: A call for peace and dialogue

The recent land dispute in Gbiniyiri, a farming community in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District in the Savannah Region, has claimed six lives and left 18 people injured, with others in critical condition. 

The violence, triggered by a disagreement over a parcel of land, has also led to the displacement of residents, particularly women and children, and the destruction of properties.

According to the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, Sinkina Saaka, the conflict began when the chief of the community sold a piece of land to a private developer.

However, some community members resisted the developer's attempt to access it.

The situation escalated when the chief and his son were physically attacked while trying to ascertain the situation.

The deployment of a joint team of military and police personnel to the area has helped to maintain law and order, but tensions remain high.

The perpetrators are now moving from the scene of the incident to launch attacks on nearby communities, making it difficult for security agencies to access all the affected areas. 

The District Security Council (DISEC) is working closely with the regional security command to intensify patrols in the area and prevent further escalation.

The DCE's appeal to feuding factions to lay down their weapons and use dialogue to settle their differences is a timely one.

Stakeholders, including traditional and opinion leaders, must be engaged to help calm tempers and foster peaceful dialogue among the feuding parties.

The government and security agencies must also work together to address the root cause of the conflict and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Gbiniyiri land dispute highlights the need for comprehensive land reform.

The enactment of the Land Act goes a long way in laying the law and also the rules of engagement as far as land ownership and administration are concerned.

The country's land administration system is often criticised for being opaque and prone to abuse.

There is a need for transparency and accountability in land transactions, and for traditional leaders to be more responsive to the needs of their communities. 

The Gbiniyiri land dispute is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of communal conflicts.

It is imperative that stakeholders work together to address the root cause of the conflict and prevent similar incidents in the future.

We call on the government and security agencies to take a proactive approach to resolving the crisis and ensuring the safety of all citizens.

We also urge traditional leaders to engage with their communities and ensure that land sales are transparent and acceptable to all parties involved.

Stakeholders, including traditional and opinion leaders, must be engaged to help calm tempers and foster peaceful dialogue among feuding parties.

The DCE's explanation highlights the need for traditional leaders to engage with their communities and ensure that land sales are transparent and acceptable to all parties involved.

The Gbiniyiri land dispute is a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritise peace, dialogue and transparency in land transactions.

By working together, we can secure the future and ensure peace and stability in our communities.