By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
A long-standing land dispute over sand mining rights in Kori Chiefdom has erupted into deadly violence, leaving one traditional chief dead, several people critically injured, and 11 suspects in police custody.
The unrest, centred in Taiama Town and surrounding communities, followed weeks of mounting tension over ownership of a disputed sand mining site at Taiama sand beach. What began as a simmering disagreement in December spiralled into violent confrontations late this week, prompting a heavy security presence and forcing the shutdown of commercial activities across the town.
The violence reportedly peaked in the early hours of Friday, February 7, when physical clashes broke out between commercial sand miners and residents claiming customary ownership of the land. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as rival groups engaged in skirmishes, resulting in serious injuries and widespread panic.
Among the casualties was Chief Alhaji Lamin Moseray of Bai Largoh Town, who was identified as one of the landowners involved in the dispute. He later died following the escalation of violence. Although the exact cause of his death remains under investigation, local sources have linked it directly to the confrontations.
At least two other individuals sustained severe injuries and were rushed to a nearby health facility, where they remain in critical condition.
In response to the deteriorating security situation, police units from the Bo Division and Moyamba District launched a joint operation to restore calm. Authorities confirmed that 11 people have been arrested in connection with the disturbances, as investigations continue.
Security forces have since secured key areas of Taiama Town, but tensions remain high. Major roads were temporarily blocked, while markets, shops, and business centres have remained closed, bringing daily economic life to a standstill.
The situation reportedly worsened when security personnel moved to the Brewah Compound, where groups of youths allegedly confronted police officers, triggering further unrest and prompting additional deployments.
At the heart of the conflict is a persistent disagreement over ownership of the Taiama sand beach, a site of growing commercial value due to increasing demand for construction materials. The dispute pits commercial sand miners against local families who insist the land belongs to them under customary law.
Early signs of trouble emerged in mid-December, when residents of Mambayama village, led by Junasa Kamara, halted mining activities at the site. They cited a Native Administration court ruling which they say favours their claim against the Brewah Family, asserting that the Kamara family and other indigenous residents are the rightful owners of the land.
Despite the ruling, mining operations reportedly resumed, further inflaming tensions and deepening divisions within the community.
Community members say repeated efforts to resolve the matter peacefully failed, allowing frustrations to build until they exploded into violence.
Local authorities and community leaders have since appealed for calm, urging residents to avoid further confrontation while police complete their investigations and determine the official cause of Chief Moseray’s death.
The Moyamba incident highlights the growing dangers surrounding unregulated sand mining and unresolved land disputes across Sierra Leone, particularly in rural areas where customary land ownership often clashes with commercial interests. Analysts warn that without clear enforcement of court rulings and stronger community engagement, similar conflicts could continue to threaten lives and livelihoods.
As security operations remain ongoing in Taiama and nearby communities, residents are hoping for a swift return to peace and a transparent resolution of the land dispute that has already claimed one life and left many families traumatised.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 11th February 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
