Kambia District, Sierra Leone – Descendants of Khenfilee Village in Samu Chiefdom, Kambia District, have formally petitioned President Julius Maada Bio, seeking urgent intervention in what they describe as a “persistent and escalating” land and chieftaincy conflict with residents of Koya Town.
In a letter dated August 4, 2025, and copied to several state and institutional authorities, including the Chief Minister, the Attorney General, the Inspector General of Police, and media houses, the Khenfilee Descendant Organization alleged that for the past five years, their community has been “persistently invaded” by people from Koya Town over claims of land ownership.
The Secretary-General of the organization, Mr. Saidu A. Turay, who signed the petition, said the dispute has intensified in recent months, leading to heightened tensions, disruption of community life, and threats to both life and property.
According to the petitioners, mediation efforts at both the local and district levels have failed to resolve the issue. They now fear that if left unchecked, the dispute could escalate into serious violence.
The letter highlights the community’s appeal for President Bio’s direct intervention, calling for a high-level mediation process or state-led resolution. “It is our sincere hope that your office will consider initiating a sustainable and impartial process to ensure justice, peace, and stability are maintained,” the petition stated.
The descendants further reaffirmed their trust in the President’s leadership, citing his government’s commitment to peacebuilding, national unity, and the rule of law. They also attached videos and photographs said to show the impact of the ongoing conflict on their community.
The petition has put a spotlight on lingering land and chieftaincy disputes in the northern chiefdom, with stakeholders now watching to see how the government will respond to avert further unrest.
