The Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery, has stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to resolve land disputes and conflicts across the country, noting the possibility of these issues escalating into wider tribal and communal clashes.
He made these remarks in response to a statement by the Member of Parliament for Nkwanta South, George Kini, on the violence that erupted from a land dispute in the area last month, resulting in deaths and injuries.
The Minister said that the government had taken immediate steps to restore peace and order in the affected area, such as imposing a curfew and deploying police personnel. However, he added that land-related matters require long-term attention and a proactive approach from the state and other stakeholders.
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He revealed that his ministry was working with the National Peace Council and the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) to address the root causes and ease the situation.
He also suggested the formation of a committee, in collaboration with the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the Lands Commission, to deal with the underlying land conflicts effectively.
He expressed concern over the impact on education and daily life and assured that he would work with the Education Minister to increase police presence in affected areas, enabling students to return to school safely.
The MP for Nkwanta South, Geoffrey Kini, had earlier drawn attention to the gravity of the recent violence, which claimed 11 lives within the first day and turned the township 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.
