Five dead in gun battle over land dispute at Gbenyiri

Five men, including the Chief of Kalba, have been confirmed dead and six others seriously injured following a violent gun battle over a land dispute in Gbenyiri, a community in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of the Savannah Region.

According to sources from Gbenyiri and the Savannah Regional Police Command, the deadly clash erupted between two rival factions claiming ownership of a disputed parcel of land.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday day night, quickly escalated into a shootout that has since left the area tense and unstable.

Sources in Tuna report that the injured were rushed to the local district hospital for treatment.

The violence also forced the Chief of Gbenyiri to abandon his palace and seek refuge at the Kalba Chief’s residence for safety.

According to police accounts, the next morning, the Kalba Chief instructed his son to escort the Gbenyiri Chief back to his palace.

However, as they made their way back, they were ambushed and killed by armed individuals believed to be aligned with one of the disputing factions.

A high-level security deployment, including the Savannah Regional Police Commander, DCOP Awowolo, has been dispatched by the Savannah Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to both Kalba and Gbenyiri to maintain order and protect lives and property.

As of now, no arrests have been made, and the situation remains tense as investigations continue.