By: Aminata Sesay
Member of Parliament for Moyamba District, Hon. Mustapha Sellu, has raised serious concerns in Parliament over escalating tensions following a deadly farmland dispute in his constituency that reportedly claimed one life, left several people injured, and resulted in the destruction of homes.
Addressing the House, Hon. Sellu informed Parliament that the situation in the affected community remains highly tense despite ongoing efforts by authorities to engage residents and restore calm.
He explained that the dispute led to significant loss of life and destruction of property, adding that authorities are currently working on measures to address the crisis and report back to the community.
The MP stressed that cultural and linguistic sensitivities were not adequately considered during earlier intervention efforts. According to him, the affected area is predominantly inhabited by people who mainly communicate in the local Shebro language.
Hon. Sellu recounted that during an attempt to calm tensions, a female security officer allegedly instructed officers to remove their security gear and play loud music while using a public address system to gather residents.
However, the approach reportedly angered grieving community members, particularly those who had just lost a relative in the incident. Residents allegedly viewed the loud music as disrespectful during a period of mourning, which further heightened tensions and hostility.
The lawmaker further warned that the situation remains volatile, especially following reports that police personnel were withdrawn from the community shortly after the burial ceremony for the deceased.
He noted that the unrest had also spread to nearby communities, with several homes reportedly destroyed during the violence.
Responding to the concerns raised, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, directed the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs and his team to immediately engage the Inspector General of Police, the Office of National Security (ONS), and other security authorities on the matter.
The committee was instructed to meet with the Inspector General directly after the parliamentary sitting and provide feedback to the Speaker on the outcome of their engagement.
Authorities are expected to intensify consultations with local stakeholders as efforts continue to restore peace and stability in the affected community.