By Prince J Musa in Kenema
Police in Kenema have arrested ten people in connection with a dispute over a farm land.
Serious violence erupted on Friday between residents of Mano Kotihun and Vaahun villages in the Nongowa chiefdom.
The Police spokesman in the district, Sergeant Brima James Musa, told Politico that they had made arrests following the incidents that led to destruction of plants and riotous behavior.
"The investigation will probe the destruction of growing plants, assault, and riotous conduct. The chiefs of both villages are under police custody and other people who are alleged to have been involved actively in the bush conflict. The CID is doing the investigation," he said.
Sgt. Musa added that officers who were first at the scene were taken hostage by the youths from both villages; something which he said is an offense that they would also be charged for.
Politico understands that the conflict between the two communities had lasted for years. Authorities in the district said there had been attempts to settle the dispute.
The Paramount Chief of Nongowa, Mohamed Sidique Kapuwa, said he had told both parties to wait until the COVID-19 situation was settled for further steps to be taken.
"Before this time we have sent messages to both parties to exercise patient until after Coronavirus, but if they fail to listen to our advices and went ahead to cause violence, we will allow the police to do their job effectively and efficiently. Anyone found wanting, the law will take its course" PC Kapuwa told Politico.
In the wake of the incident, Chief Kapuwa has called for calm in the district’s most important chiefdom.
Police have promised a swift investigation in to the incident. There are no reports of any injuries or any confirmation that houses were torched, contrary to rumors.
However, plantations were destroyed.
Police say a full assessment of damages will be known in the coming days, after their investigation.
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