On the afternoon of Monday, March 25th, 2024, a reported altercation in Mabai village, located in the Kholifa Mabang Chiefdom of the Tonkolili District in Northern Sierra Leone, resulted in a farmer sustaining a bullet wound allegedly inflicted by a group of individuals from a neighboring village.

The victim, identified as Abu Kamara from Mabai village, was reportedly ambushed while working on a disputed piece of land in Makomp, along with other farmers from his community. The assailants, purportedly led by individuals known as Abiba and Abdul Kanu (Upper Six), hail from Ropothka village, situated nearby. Despite historical ties and inter-marriages between Mabai and Ropothka, prolonged land disputes have strained relations between the two communities.

Eyewitnesses corroborated Kamara's account, stating that the assailants, armed with hunting and locally made guns, confronted the farmers at their work site, leading to a confrontation. Amidst the altercation, Kamara allegedly sustained a gunshot wound to his right hand, reportedly fired by Abiba.

Ismail Kamara, a member of the Local Policing Partnership Board in Kholifa Mabang Chiefdom, recounted hearing gunshots from Makomp but was not present at the scene. According to his testimony, villagers rushed to aid Kamara upon hearing the commotion, finding him injured. Yusif Turay, another resident, attested to the presence of a sizable group approaching their location, which escalated into violence when the farmers refused to vacate the area as ordered by the intruders.

The situation escalated rapidly, prompting the farmers to flee for safety as the assailants continued firing shots. Subsequently, the accused individuals evaded law enforcement authorities, seeking refuge elsewhere.

Efforts to obtain official commentary from the Mile 91 Division Local Unit Commander, CSP Michael JK Lagga, proved unsuccessful at the time of reporting. However, a police source confirmed that an investigation into the matter is underway, with the issuance of a Police Medical form to the injured farmer.

The incident underscores the complex dynamics surrounding land disputes in Sierra Leonean communities, often exacerbated by historical grievances and economic pressures. Such conflicts pose significant challenges to local governance and community cohesion, necessitating a nuanced and collaborative approach to resolution and prevention.

As authorities endeavor to address the root causes of such disputes and ensure accountability for acts of violence, it remains imperative for all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue, mediation, and adherence to the rule of law in resolving grievances and fostering sustainable peace and development in affected areas.