Minister for Interior, Ambrose Dery, has underscored the imperative of a holistic strategy to address land disputes and conflicts nationwide, emphasizing the potential for these issues to escalate into broader tribal and communal conflicts.
Speaking on the violence stemming from a land dispute in Nkwanta South that has claimed lives, Mr. Dery warned against neglecting the underlying tensions, urging a proactive stance from the state and stakeholders.
Member of Parliament for the area, George Kini, read a statement on the floor of Parliament about last month’s violence and appealed for a swift solution to the situation.
Citing the imposition of a curfew and the deployment of police to restore calm in the affected area after the fighting, the interior Minister acknowledged that while immediate measures have been taken, the sensitivity of land-related matters demands sustained attention.
He announced collaborative efforts with the National Peace Council and the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) to address the root causes and ease the situation.
The Minister proposed the establishment of a committee, in coordination with the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the Lands Commission, to tackle the underlying land conflicts comprehensively.
Expressing concern over the impact on education and daily life, Mr. Ambrose Dery pledged to liaise with the Minister of Education to enhance police presence in affected areas, facilitating the safe return of students to classrooms.
Member of Parliament for Nkwanta South, Geoffrey Kini, highlighted the severity of the recent outbreak of violence, with 11 reported deaths within the first 24 hours and the township transformed into a ghost town.
Kini commended the swift police intervention but emphasized the need for urgent, collective action to end the ongoing strife, which has disrupted schools, displaced hundreds, and halted farming activities.
