March 24, 2021
By Problyn John Alpha
The Paramount Chief of Soa Chiefdom who doubles as Chairman Council of Paramount Chiefs – Kono District, has warned the people of Sukudu Town, Soa in the Sawa Fiama Section to refrain from plans to cause unrest in the chiefdom or face the full penalty of the law.
P.C Tamba Emmanuel Torche Foryoh the (IV) made the statement in an interview with our correspondent. He said due to records and history of Soa Chiefdom, the disputed bush which both Sukudu and Dugbema villages are fighting for, without fair or favour belongs to Dugbema town.
Paramount Chief Tamba Emmanuel Torche Foryoh maintained that residents of Sukudu Town have on several occasion laid claims to the disputed land.
He said the Local Court, Magistrate Court, the then Senior District Officer Kono district and himself have all ruled in favour of Dugbema town
He noted that that he has even sent his acting chiefdom speaker to admonish residents of Sukudu Town to think of something else and forget about the land.
”Let everybody respect the decision of the individual institutions in the interest of peace. Chief Foryoh maintained, adding that anyone found undermining the peace and development of his chiefdom will have him/herself to blame.
The Town Chief of Dugbema said the statement of the first gentleman speaks volume adding that they are satisfied and can lie down and sleep with both eyes closed.
Chief Aiah Komba Said before the advice of P.C Foryoh, residents of Sukudu have allegedly threatened to attack them for the disputed land on the premise that Bombodu village raged an attack on Taama Village, burnt houses and even raped women. He said nothing came out of it so they will do it and go unpunished.
He said they were much worried about the alleged threat because Sukudu town is three or four times bigger than Dugbema but they thanked God for the prompt intervention of Paramount Chief Tamba Emmanuel Torche Foryoh.
Chief Aiah Komba blamed the section chief of Sawa Fiama Section, Chief Tamba Mathew Tenga Kanawa for always taking sides against them whenever there is a problem between Sukudu and Dugbema communities.
Responding to allegations, the Section Chief of Sawa Fiama Section denied taken sides, noting that as a head, his responsibility is to see that people are protected and are at peace with one another. Chief Kanawa said plans were afoot to call on all stakeholders including religious leaders within three weeks in order to mediate between both towns to see themselves as one.