Violent Land Dispute Erupts in Zombo: 17 Huts Torched, LC 1 Chairperson Injured

In a harrowing incident, a longstanding land dispute in Awendukei village, Otheko Parish, Paidha Sub-County, Zombo District, turned violent in the early hours of Thursday morning. The clash between communities resulted in the torching of 17 huts and left two individuals injured, one with arrow wounds and the other hacked with a panga.

According to William Okethi, the LC III chairperson of Paidha Sub-County, the attack occurred around 3:00 am when the community of Paidha Sub-County was ambushed by a rival group from Nyapea Sub-county. Among the casualties was the local LC I chairperson, who sustained injuries from arrows and was promptly transported to Goli Health Center IV for urgent medical attention. Another victim was rushed to Paidha Health Center III for treatment.

In the aftermath of the violent confrontation, more than 100 individuals, including women and children, were left displaced, with no shelter or means of sustenance. Speaking on the dire situation, Okethi expressed the community’s desperation, stating, “People have nowhere to eat. We have no budget as a sub-county to address situations of this sort. We call upon everyone who can help to do so.”

The incident sheds light on the pervasive issue of land conflicts in Zombo, with many attributing the escalation to the failure of elders to mediate and resolve disputes over land boundaries. This clash is just one of several recent incidents, with a similar altercation reported earlier in Asina Parish, Abanga Sub-county.

Communities in Zombo, including Aka, Jangokoro, Abanga, Atyak, Nyapea, Paidha, and Zeu, continue to grapple with numerous land wrangles, underscoring the urgent need for concerted efforts to address underlying grievances and promote peaceful resolution mechanisms.