By Alusine Samuel Kargbo (A.S.K)
Land disputes in Sierra Leone are not a strange issue in the country. It is evident in our courts that there are many land lawsuits amongst family members and private owners still yet these lawsuits have not been resolved. The land matters go on the courts for several years. Some litigants have lost their lives through frustration or being killed through African black magic.
Here is a unique situation in the Pentagon community where a land dispute arose between the Derick family and the Giba family. The matter between the plaintiff and the defendant was filed in court in 2010, however, the court ruled in favour of the Derick family. But still yet the Giba family could not accept the court’s ruling.
In a historical meeting on Saturday 2nd November, 2024, with stakeholders in the Pentagon community. According to the Assistant Director Lands and State Land Reclamation, Mr Yayah Kamaraka made it categorically during the meeting that the Lands Ministry had carried out a survey between the Derick family land the Giba family land, and they have come to its logical conclusion. He further said the Lands Ministry has carefully studied all the documents they have in their possession.
Another important stakeholder the meeting had in their midst to settle the land disputes was the Assistant Commissioner of Police(ACP), who doubles as the LUC of the Lumley Police Division, Edison Vandi. He spoke on settling the matter through dialogue and negotiations. Prior to his contributions, he was given a standing ovation by stakeholders and the community residents who were present. He said violence could not supercede peace. He therefore urged the two parties to see sense with reason to resolve the matter amicably.
At the end of the meeting, the Lands Ministry representative reiterated that they are ready to implement the court’s dec
