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A decades-old land dispute between the Mansaray family of Teneba Bramaia and the Bangura family of Sabuya has flared up again in Bramaia Chiefdom, Kambia District, triggering violent clashes and leaving at least one person injured.
The confrontation, which dates back to the 1970s, centers around ownership of a disputed piece of land that was initially granted to a woman who married into the Sabuya community.
Although the matter has seen multiple legal interventions including three separate hearings at the Kambia District Magistrate Court rulings have consistently favored the Mansaray family.
Paramount Chief Alhaji Kandeh Momoh Samba Sulaiman De-Phoreh Dumbuya II, who has been actively involved in efforts to mediate the conflict, told Sierraeye Magazine that he recently facilitated a peace meeting between both families.
During the dialogue, the two sides agreed to a footpath boundary intended to ease tensions, especially during the busy planting season.
However, just days after the agreement, tensions reignited when members of the Sabuya community reportedly denied access to the Mansaray family, violating the demarcation. The standoff turned violent when gunshots were fired during a confrontation, resulting in one person from Teneba Bramaia being shot in the leg. The injured victim is currently receiving medical care.
Chief Dumbuya expressed dismay over the escalation, calling for calm and mutual respect. “We must find a way to coexist and respect each other’s rights to the land,” he urged.
The Kambia District Council has distanced itself from the matter, with Chairperson Mohamed Abdul Masarico Mansaray claiming the council has had limited involvement. Contradictory reports from some local elders, however, suggest that the case may have been previously brought before the council.
Police in Kambia are yet to release an official statement regarding the June 30th incident, despite reports that the matter has been logged with the district police station.
