Residents of Hastings, a historic town in Sierra Leone, are locked in a renewed struggle with the military over long-standing land ownership issues. Despite past court rulings and declarations by government officials affirming the residents' rights, the military has reportedly continued to harass and forcibly evict them from their lands.

Generations of families in Hastings, a town founded in the 18th century as a settlement for freed slaves, have faced violent confrontations. Adekilio Sheku Bangura, a local teacher, shared how his property was destroyed by military forces, even though he sought to avoid conflict. He was forcibly removed from his land, which was later demolished, with the military accusing him of land grabbing.

Another resident, Ibrahim Kabia, who has lived in Hastings since 1950, suffered similar losses. His six-bedroom home and a newly constructed three-bedroom building were razed by military personnel, leaving him and his family homeless. The high cost of renting in the city makes it difficult for Kabia and others in his situation to find alternative housing.

The violence extends beyond property destruction. Ya Mabinty Kamara, a local farmer, reported being physically assaulted by soldiers while tending to her crops. Residents accuse the military of nighttime raids, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.

The community is now calling for urgent government intervention to protect their homes and resolve the escalating conflict with the military over land rights. The situation remains tense as the people of Hastings continue to demand an end to military involvement and a final resolution to the ownership disputes.