By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
Taiama Town was thrown into tension on Friday the 6th February 2026, after a long-standing dispute over a sand mining site erupted into violence, leaving at least two people in critical condition following clashes between sand miners and individuals claiming ownership of the land.
The confrontation reportedly broke out in the early hours of the day when disagreements over rights to extract sand at the disputed location escalated into physical fighting. Local sources said tempers flared after alleged bush owners attempted to halt mining activities, insisting that the land falls under their customary ownership.
Witnesses at the scene described chaotic moments as the confrontation rapidly intensified, resulting in serious injuries to at least two persons. The victims were rushed to a nearby health facility, where medical personnel confirmed they were in critical condition at the time of reporting.
Residents of Taiama say the dispute has been simmering for months, with repeated disagreements between miners operating in the area and landowners who claim legal and traditional rights to the site. Community members disclosed that several attempts at mediation had failed, allowing tensions to build steadily until
Friday’s violence outbreak.
Residents said both sides have been arguing over who owns the land and who has the right to mine the sand. Today, it just exploded.
Sand mining has become a vital source of income for many youths in the area, driven by increasing demand for construction materials.
However, locals say the activity has also sparked frequent conflicts, particularly where land ownership is unclear or disputed.
Community leaders expressed concern over the incident, warning that continued disagreements could further destabilize the town if urgent intervention is not taken. They are calling on local authorities, traditional leaders, and the police to step in to prevent further violence and help resolve the ownership dispute through dialogue.
Following the clash, fear spread among residents, with some businesses temporarily closing as people avoided the affected area. Parents were also seen keeping children indoors amid uncertainty over whether further confrontations might occur.
Security personnel were later deployed to restore calm, while preliminary inquiries into the incident reportedly commenced. As of press time, no official arrests had been confirmed, but sources indicate that investigations are ongoing.
Civil society actors have urged all parties to exercise restraint and allow lawful processes to determine land ownership, emphasizing that violence only deepens divisions and endangers lives.
The Taiama incident once again highlights the growing challenges surrounding land disputes and natural resource exploitation in rural communities across Sierra Leone, where unclear boundaries and competing claims often lead to unrest.
Residents are now appealing for swift government intervention to establish clear ownership of the site and create a sustainable framework for sand mining activities that protects livelihoods while respecting customary land rights.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 9th February 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
