5 dead, 6 injured in gun battle over land

Five people, all men, have been confirmed dead with six others seriously injured during an exchange of gun fire over a parcel of land at Gbenyiri, a suburb of Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, Savannah Region.

The chief of Kalba is reported to be among the deceased.

Joy News sources at Gbenyiri and the Savannah Regional Police Command indicate that the resort to the deadly gun battle emanated from a land dispute between two parties.

The injured, according to Joy News’ sources in Tuna, were taken to a district hospital for treatment.

JoyNews checks in Katalba and Gbenyiri communities revealed the incident erupted Sunday night, forcing the chief of Gbenyiri to flee his palace and seek shelter at the Kalba chief’s palace.

According to a police source, when the chief of Gbenyiri was returning home the next day, his compatriot Kalba chief, asked his son to escort the Gbenyiri chief back to his community.

They were however, attacked and killed by one of the factions in the land dispute after laying ambush.

A combined team of security personnel, including the Savannah Regional Police Commander DCOP, Awowolo, has been detailed by the Savannah REGSEC to both Kalba and Gbenyiri to protect lives and properties.

There has not been any arrests yet.