Fence demolished, tensions rise: D425,000 investment reduced to rubble

“On Saturday, 3rd July, I visited the compound and found everything intact. But when I returned the following day with labourers to continue the concrete work, I discovered the fence had been demolished,” he told The Point newspaper in an interview.

Sanyang suspects foul play. “The alkalo of Basori, together with some individuals, once came and ordered me to stop working. I refused because the land was given to me by the people of Duwasu. Two weeks later, the fence was demolished. Who else should I suspect?” he asked.

Saikouba Ceesay, Chairman of the Duwasu Village Development Committee (VDC), condemned the demolition. “The compound belongs to Duwasu. The land was given to someone who fenced the area, and the people of Basori came and demolished it,” he alleged.

He stressed that the fence had been built up to ten courses. “The alkalo of Basori has repeatedly claimed the area belongs to Basori. But I want to make it clear: the disputed land is far from the demolished compound. Their behaviour is uncalled for. We want everything done through due process of the law.”

Ceesay added that the matter had been reported to the police. “We want the Government to intervene and clearly demarcate the boundaries to avoid clashes. The boundary is visible, and most of their elders know it. Yet Basori people continue to encroach.” 

Eyewitness Accounts

Samsiding Hydara, a native of Duwasu, recalled being confronted while clearing the area with a caterpillar. “The alkalo of Basori came in full soldier uniform with about eight people. I overheard one of them saying here is the boundary. I even saw them demolishing a house in Duwasu,” he claimed.

Hydara insisted that disputes between villages should be settled by elders, not through intimidation. “If people said Basori demolished the area, I wouldn’t deny it. I saw them demolishing in my presence.”

Police Involvement

Sanyang confirmed he reported the incident to both the VDC and the police. “The police asked if I suspected anyone. I told them yes—the alkalo of Basori. He warned me before that the land belonged to Basori and that I should stop working to avoid a repeat of what happened elsewhere.”

Interestingly, when invited to Giboro Police Station, Lamin Jabang, the alkalo of Basori, admitted visiting the site and asking Sanyang to stop construction. However, he denied demolishing the fence.

Rising Tensions

The Duwasu community fears the dispute could escalate into violence if not addressed. “We don’t want problems, and the Government doesn’t want problems. That’s why we always report incidents to the police. But if the Government fails to intervene, this could lead to a fracas and retard development,” Ceesay warned.

Meanwhile, Lamin Jabang, the alkalo of Basori, was contacted for comment. However, he questioned our reporter about who had given him his number.

The reporter explained that the number had been obtained from a source and that the identity of that source could not be revealed. Jabang insisted that he would only speak if the reporter disclosed the person who had provided the number.

He maintained that he was ready for the interview, but demanded the source’s identity — a condition that strikes at the heart of journalistic integrity and the protection of sources. This demand was categorically denied by our reporter.

For now, the dream of an Arabic boarding school in Duwasu lies in ruins, with residents demanding urgent Government action to prevent further clashes and to safeguard their land rights.