The farming community of Gbiniyiri is facing a serious escalation of its violent land dispute after the Chief’s Palace was set on fire on Tuesday, August 26th. This incident marks a sharp increase in tensions that have already led to the deaths of six people and left eighteen others wounded from gunshot and machete injuries.
The conflict began on Sunday, August 24, over a contested plot of land that was allegedly sold by the chief to a private developer. The initial clashes resulted in five fatalities, with one more person fatally shot the following morning. The escalating unrest has caused hundreds of residents, particularly women and children, to flee Gbiniyiri and its neighboring areas, and numerous homes have been destroyed.
A joint police and military task force has been deployed to the area, but the dispersed nature of the communities is posing a challenge to their efforts. The District Security Council (DISEC) is working alongside regional commands and traditional leaders, intensifying patrols and calling for immediate dialogue and calm to de-escalate the situation.
Source: African Publicity